Period 2: 1607-1754
Illustration of New York Conspiracy of 1741
This picture of an African American male being burned at the stake after the New York Conspiracy of 1741 accurately characterizes the time period. The New York Conspiracy of 1741 is a highly contested and convoluted event. In essence, it was an alleged plot among poor whites and slaves to revolt by setting a series of fires. More important is the method in which the accused were prosecuted; over 100 people were executed in a trial similar to the Salem witch trials. The important take-away from this picture is that it exhibits the abuse of power and illegitimacy of many laws during this time period. During the period of salutary neglect, many of the colonies were completely independent and relied on self-governance. Harsh laws were imposed on revolting slaves, but their growing population made revolt inevitable. This image captures how a number of factors, in this case the rapid increase in slaves and an economic depression, can contribute to political turmoil. Slaves that were trained by masters who were artisans competed with whites and created economic and racial tension. This tension translated into political unrest, as characterized by this image. It also signals a change in hierarchy and power structures, as well as a divide within the poor and working class.