Slave rebellions were a strategy utilized by Black slaves in North America during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries to fight for emancipation from slavery. These rebellions caused extensive property damage, led to the deaths of the Masters family and overseers, and challenged the idea that slaves were content and docile. Some slave rebellions, such as the Haitian Rebellion, resulted in the abolition of slavery. However, in most situations it resulted in stricter laws. For example, the Nat Turner Rebellion, one of the slave rebellions discussed in this paper, caused the development of harsher laws due to the extent of the damage done. Nat Turner’s Rebellion, the Black Seminole Slave Rebellion, and John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry were pivotal …show more content…
The Black Seminole Slave Rebellion (1835–1838) involved Black Seminoles and escaped enslaved people who fought alongside the Seminole tribe in Florida against U.S. forces, marking one of the largest and longest-lasting slave rebellions. Finally, John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859 was a bold attempt and his plan to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry and arm enslaved people sent shockwaves through the nation, intensifying the already fierce divide between the North and South. Together, these rebellions demolished the illusion of enslaved people's passive acceptance of their slavery, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's road toward justice and freedom. One of the deadliest slave revolts in the history of the United States was Nat Turner’s Rebellion, led by Nat Turner himself. Nat Turner was born on October 2, 1800, in Southampton County, Virginia, as Benjamin Turner's slave. Turner was allowed to learn to read and write, as well as receive religious …show more content…
This counsel came in February 1831, when an eclipse obscured the sun. Turner and his small group of followers had planned the rebellion for July 4, but Turner's illness forced them to postpone. Finally, on August 13, a unique weather occurrence transformed the sky blue-green, which Turner saw as a sign to begin his rebellion. On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner and his allies carried out an uprising against white people of Southampton County. They started by murdering the Travis family while they were sleeping, and then mounted horses to spread the revolution throughout the area. As the group progressed, they recruited more enslaved blacks and collected weaponry from surrounding plantations, killing any white people they came across. Turner's primary purpose was to capture control of Jerusalem, the county seat, and get more weapons from the armory. However, an armed white militia caught them near the town, forcing Turner to run into the woods as chaos ensued. Nat Turner was captured on October 30, 1831, and pleaded not guilty, believing his actions were inspired by God. He told his lawyer, Thomas R. Gray, about his "confessions" when he was in county