A DIASPORIC PEOPLE (1630-1850)
RELIGION Encountered new religions and languages Christianity offered an alternative to hopelessness.
RELIGION Initially, in Virginia, Christians could not be enslaved for life. Virginia law said changed to say that religion meant different things for different races.
ETHNIC AND RACIAL IDENTITIES Initially, in the United States, slavery was not hereditary. Race became separated into three categories: Indians, Negroes, and Whites. The word *Negro* became associated with slaves and degradation.
ETHNIC AND RACIAL IDENTITIES *One drop rule* meant that one drop of “black blood” made someone a Negro. Through marriage/sex, many African Americans have Indian and European ancestors. Sally Hemings was Thomas Jefferson’s slave and lover.
ETHNIC AND RACIAL IDENTITIES In 1662, the status of American children depended on the status of the mother. In 1850, the U.S. census separated nonwhites into black and *mulatto* population based on appearance.