In 1793 yellow fever breaks out in Philadelphia. Dr. Benjamin Rush believes that people of African ancestry are immune and encourages them to nurse the sick. Ten percent of the city's black population is claimed by the plague. In 1794 Allen establishes the Bethel Church. Eli Whitney obtains cotton gin patent in 1783.
Westward expansion begins.
Gabriel, a slave in Virginia, plots a rebellion in 1799, which is foiled by torrential rains and betrayal. Napoleon seeks American help to re-impose slavery in St. Domingue. France loses the war and the independent country of Haiti is established in 1804. The Mississippi river becomes a major trading thoroughfare. In 1808 a ban on importing slaves from Africa or the Caribbean is signed into law.