When slavery became a major part of the American colonial economy, the lives of black people, free and unfree, were affected in various ways. For slaves and free people of color, where they lived determined the rights they would be afforded. For slaves in Holland and New Netherland (now New York) during the 17th century, slaves could marry and even be rewarded with freedom for their long or hard service. However, this freedom came with a problem: freed slaves would have to pay an annual fee to the Dutch West India Company, and their children would not be able to share their parents' freed status. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original EssayIn Virginia, policies were in place in response to concerns about labor shortages. In 1662, Virginia enacted a law stating that a child's status would depend on the mother's status: if an enslaved mother was still in bondage, her child would also remain a slave. Slaves in Virginia would also be deprived of freedom of assembly, freedom to bear arms, and freedom of movement without a certificate from a master. When New York fell to British practices, slaves would be subject to harsh laws. In 1706 a law was enacted that a slave's baptism would have no effect on his status as a slave, and that a child's status would follow the status of his mother. The law also made it clear that a slave could not be a competent witness in a case involving a white or black freeman. The lives of the slaves did not improve shortly thereafter. In 1712, an insurrection took place in which 23 armed slaves set fire to the house of a slave owner, killed nine whites, and wounded six. 21 slaves were found guilty and executed, and on December 10, 1712, a law was passed making it punishable arson. with death, he limited the manumission of slaves and ensured that any free black, Indian or mulatto was unable to hold land, houses, tenements or inheritances. In New England, slaves and free people of color would not have to contend with such harsh laws. Slaves in New England were allowed to marry in the late 17th century, but this institution would have been negatively affected by the fact that some married slaves were owned by different masters. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Slaves were also given the opportunity to testify in court, sue, and petition for their freedom. Free blacks also enjoyed a life that involved dancing, playing games, and sharing stories. In French Louisiana, some free blacks managed to inflict public punishments and even carry out executions, as in the case of Louis Congo. When Louisiana fell to the Spanish, slaves were given greater access to freedom than when Louisiana was under the French. Free men of color were also given the option to form militias with the stipulation that they follow sumptuary laws that required them to wear clothing distinctly inferior to that of whites..