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Slavery played an important role in the economic growth of a young America. “It grew like a cancer, at first slowly, almost imperceptibly, then inexorably, as colonists eager for material gain imported hundreds of thousands of Africans to toil in their fields (Kolchin, 4).” Although economically motivated, racism soon began to play a role in the colonies in their attempt to acquire a labor force. “Racial distinction, in short, facilitated enslavement (Kolchin, 13).” Rather than forego the …

…driving force behind slavery was economic, it had under tones of racism. Racism by the colonists was perpetuated by a long history of indentured servitude and a religious belief that non-Christians were heathens. Once the African slaves transitioned to African-Americans and began to create a culture that took on more of an American flavor it became harder for the colonists to look upon them as “pagans”. This planted the seed, which eventually set them “free”.