Activity Overview
Timelines are a helpful tool for students to see the sequence of events and the cause and effect during a specific time period in history. Giving students a visual with each date and name of the event helps students to better understand and remember the details, importance, and impact of the event. In this activity, students will create a timeline of 5-10 events that were integral in the creation, continuance, and abolition of slavery. This timeline will use visuals and concise text to describe in order the major events and laws that were important to the history of the institution of slavery; why it lasted as long as it did and how it eventually came to an end.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Important events relating to Slavery in America
- 1619 - First enslaved Africans brought to Jamestown Virginia.
- 1641 - Massachusetts Bay Colony makes slavery legal.
- 1662 - Virginia law states that the status of the mother determined if a black child would be enslaved.
- 1676 - Bacon’s Rebellion
- 1688 - Pennsylvania Quakers adopt the first formal anti-slavery resolution.
- 1705 - Virginia Slave Codes
- 1712 - Slave Revolt in New York City
- 1775 - The American Revolution begins.
- 1775 - Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery founded.
- 1800 - Gabriel’s Rebellion
- 1820 - Missouri Compromise approved by Congress.
- 1831 - Nat Turner’s Rebellion
- 1839 - Amistad Rebellion
- Compromise of 1850
- 1852 - Publishing and Impact of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
- 1854 - Kansas Nebraska Act
- 1857 - Dred Scott Supreme Court Case
- 1863 - 54th Regiment attack on Fort Wagner
- 1863 Emancipation Proclamation
- 1861-1865 - U.S. Civil War
- 1865 - Civil War ends but it is the 13th Amendment to the constitution that officially ends slavery.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a timeline of major events and laws that were passed that were important to the history of slavery in America.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write:
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Include at least five events, including dates and descriptions.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Beginning 2 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content: | My timeline includes 7-10 events with accurate dates and names of major events that impacted Slavery in the United States. I describe the significance and the context of each event. | My timeline includes 4-6 events with accurate dates and names of major events that impacted Slavery in the United States. I describe the significance and the context of each event. | My timeline includes 1-3 events with accurate dates and names of major events that impacted Slavery in the United States. I describe the significance and the context of each event. |
| Illustration: | My timeline includes an illustration for each of the 7-10 events with appropriate scenes, characters and items to describe the event. | My timeline includes an illustration for each of the 4-6 events with appropriate scenes, characters and items to describe the event. | My timeline includes an illustration for each of the 1-3 events with appropriate scenes, characters and items to describe the event. |
Activity Overview
Timelines are a helpful tool for students to see the sequence of events and the cause and effect during a specific time period in history. Giving students a visual with each date and name of the event helps students to better understand and remember the details, importance, and impact of the event. In this activity, students will create a timeline of 5-10 events that were integral in the creation, continuance, and abolition of slavery. This timeline will use visuals and concise text to describe in order the major events and laws that were important to the history of the institution of slavery; why it lasted as long as it did and how it eventually came to an end.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Important events relating to Slavery in America
- 1619 - First enslaved Africans brought to Jamestown Virginia.
- 1641 - Massachusetts Bay Colony makes slavery legal.
- 1662 - Virginia law states that the status of the mother determined if a black child would be enslaved.
- 1676 - Bacon’s Rebellion
- 1688 - Pennsylvania Quakers adopt the first formal anti-slavery resolution.
- 1705 - Virginia Slave Codes
- 1712 - Slave Revolt in New York City
- 1775 - The American Revolution begins.
- 1775 - Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery founded.
- 1800 - Gabriel’s Rebellion
- 1820 - Missouri Compromise approved by Congress.
- 1831 - Nat Turner’s Rebellion
- 1839 - Amistad Rebellion
- Compromise of 1850
- 1852 - Publishing and Impact of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
- 1854 - Kansas Nebraska Act
- 1857 - Dred Scott Supreme Court Case
- 1863 - 54th Regiment attack on Fort Wagner
- 1863 Emancipation Proclamation
- 1861-1865 - U.S. Civil War
- 1865 - Civil War ends but it is the 13th Amendment to the constitution that officially ends slavery.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a timeline of major events and laws that were passed that were important to the history of slavery in America.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write:
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Include at least five events, including dates and descriptions.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Beginning 2 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content: | My timeline includes 7-10 events with accurate dates and names of major events that impacted Slavery in the United States. I describe the significance and the context of each event. | My timeline includes 4-6 events with accurate dates and names of major events that impacted Slavery in the United States. I describe the significance and the context of each event. | My timeline includes 1-3 events with accurate dates and names of major events that impacted Slavery in the United States. I describe the significance and the context of each event. |
| Illustration: | My timeline includes an illustration for each of the 7-10 events with appropriate scenes, characters and items to describe the event. | My timeline includes an illustration for each of the 4-6 events with appropriate scenes, characters and items to describe the event. | My timeline includes an illustration for each of the 1-3 events with appropriate scenes, characters and items to describe the event. |
How Tos about Historical Timeline of Slavery in the Americas
Integrate primary source documents into your slavery timeline lesson
Deepen student understanding by using original historical documents—like letters, posters, or newspaper clippings—connected to each timeline event. This approach helps students analyze real voices from the era and see history through authentic perspectives.
Choose age-appropriate primary sources for students
Select materials that are readable and relevant for your grade level. Short excerpts, images, or simplified documents work best for grades 2–8. Preview all content for sensitive language or themes, and provide context as needed.
Introduce and model document analysis as a class
Lead a guided reading of one primary source together. Ask students to observe, reflect, and question the document. Model how to look for clues about the author, purpose, and message using think-alouds and guiding questions.
Assign students to pair specific documents with timeline events
Have students match each event on their timeline with a related document. Challenge them to explain briefly how the document connects to the event or what it reveals about that moment in history.
Facilitate a gallery walk or class discussion to share findings
Invite students to display their timelines and documents. Encourage discussion about what they learned from the sources and how different perspectives shaped the story of slavery in America.
Frequently Asked Questions about Historical Timeline of Slavery in the Americas
What are the most important events to include in a timeline of slavery in America for students?
Key events to include are the arrival of enslaved Africans in 1619, laws like the Virginia Slave Codes (1705), major rebellions (Nat Turner's in 1831), the Emancipation Proclamation (1863), and the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865. Adding early anti-slavery actions and landmark court cases gives students a complete view.
How can I help my students create a visual timeline of slavery in America?
Encourage students to select 5-10 key events, use concise descriptions, and add images or drawings for each event. Templates or poster layouts can provide structure, and collaborative gallery walks can deepen understanding.
Why is making a timeline helpful for teaching about slavery in the Americas?
Timelines help students visualize the sequence of events, understand cause and effect, and remember important dates and laws. They break down complex history into digestible parts, making it easier for younger learners to grasp.
What is a simple way to explain the abolition of slavery in the United States to elementary students?
Slavery ended in the U.S. after many years of struggle, with the Emancipation Proclamation freeing many enslaved people in 1863, and the 13th Amendment officially abolishing slavery in 1865, soon after the Civil War.
What are some creative alternatives to a traditional timeline activity for teaching about slavery?
Try making timeline posters for presentations, using digital tools for interactive timelines, or hosting a gallery walk where students present their timelines. These approaches engage students and support different learning styles.
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