1619: The Legacy of Slavery in America

The 1619 Project, created by a New York Times writer, marks the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia. It highlights the significance of 1619 in American history, as it marks the beginning of racialized slavery. The project argues that slavery's legacy and the racism it fostered are foundational to the United States, affecting modern life. It questions whether America truly embodies its founding ideals of equality and rights, given its history of slavery. The project aims to spark a national conversation about slavery's enduring impact.

What is the primary goal of the 1619 Project?

• To celebrate the founding of Jamestown

• To commemorate the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia

• To highlight the achievements of the British Empire

• To discuss the American Revolution

Why is the year 1619 considered significant in American history?

• It marks the beginning of racialized slavery in America

• It is the year the English first landed in America

• It marks the end of the American Revolution

• It is the year the Declaration of Independence was signed

What does the 1619 Project argue about modern American life?

• It is entirely independent of its past

• It is solely based on the ideals of democracy

• It has been significantly shaped by the decision to engage in slavery

• It is largely unaffected by historical events

During the American Revolution, what critical decision did America face?

• Whether to continue the institution of chattel slavery

• Whether to join the British Empire

• Whether to expand westward

• Whether to abolish the monarchy

What contradiction does the 1619 Project highlight about America's founding?

• The contradiction between democracy and monarchy

• The contradiction between economic growth and environmental conservation

• The contradiction between independence and foreign alliances

• The contradiction between the ideals of equality and the reality of slavery