To create a segment of the working class that could be relied upon to support the interests of the ruling class, in exchange for the promise that they would never fall below a certain level -- that being, the level occupied by Black folks. The ruling class saw Bacon's Rebellion and figured they better prevent similar occurrences. That's when the early race laws were put in place. Prior to chattel slavery, the color of a person's skin was of no more importance than the color of their eyes -- Bob Marley, quoting Haile Selassie. Truth!