Question

Which of the following laws made it illegal for enslaved Black people to learn to read and write?

A.
Fugitive Slave Act
B.
Negro Act of 1740
C.
Compromise of 1877
D.
Three-Fifths Compromise

Answer 1

The answer is B. Negro Act of 1740.
The Negro Act of 1740 made it illegal for enslaved Africans to move abroad, assemble in groups, raise food, earn money, and learn to write (though reading was not proscribed). Additionally, owners were permitted to kill rebellious slaves if necessary. The Act remained in effect until 1865.