Major Slave Rebellions to Know for AP African American Studies

Major slave rebellions were pivotal moments in the fight against oppression. These uprisings, from the Stono Rebellion to Nat Turner's Rebellion, showcased the resilience and determination of enslaved people seeking freedom, shaping the course of African American history and resistance.

1. Stono Rebellion (1739)

   • Occurred in South Carolina, where enslaved Africans revolted against their masters.
   • Led by a man named Jemmy, the rebellion involved around 20 enslaved people who initially killed several white colonists.
   • The rebellion was ultimately suppressed, leading to stricter slave codes and increased repression of enslaved people.

2. New York Slave Revolt of 1741

   • A series of fires in New York City led to widespread panic and accusations against enslaved people.
   • Enslaved Africans and poor whites were implicated in a conspiracy to overthrow the colonial government.
   • Resulted in the execution of many accused individuals and heightened racial tensions in the city.

3. Gabriel's Rebellion (1800)

   • Planned by Gabriel Prosser, this was an organized revolt in Virginia aimed at gaining freedom for enslaved people.
   • The plan involved seizing the state capital, Richmond, but was foiled due to betrayal.
   • Gabriel and many conspirators were executed, leading to increased restrictions on enslaved people.

4. Haitian Revolution (1791-1804)

   • A successful slave revolt in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, leading to the establishment of Haiti as the first independent Black republic.
   • Led by figures like Toussaint L'Ouverture, the revolution was fueled by Enlightenment ideals and the desire for freedom.
   • The revolution had a profound impact on slave societies and abolitionist movements worldwide.

5. German Coast Uprising (1811)

   • Occurred in Louisiana, where enslaved people revolted against their masters along the Mississippi River.
   • The uprising involved hundreds of enslaved individuals and aimed to gain freedom and land.
   • It was suppressed by local militias, resulting in severe reprisals against the enslaved population.

6. Denmark Vesey's Conspiracy (1822)

   • Planned by Denmark Vesey, a formerly enslaved man, this conspiracy aimed to lead a large-scale revolt in Charleston, South Carolina.
   • The plan involved seizing arms and liberating enslaved people, but it was discovered before it could be executed.
   • Vesey and many others were executed, leading to stricter laws against gatherings of enslaved people.

7. Nat Turner's Rebellion (1831)

   • Led by Nat Turner, this rebellion in Virginia resulted in the deaths of around 60 white people and was one of the most significant slave uprisings in U.S. history.
   • Turner believed he was chosen by God to lead his people to freedom, and the rebellion lasted for two days.
   • The aftermath included widespread fear among slaveholders and harsher laws against enslaved people.

8. Amistad Rebellion (1839)

   • Enslaved Africans aboard the Spanish ship Amistad revolted and took control of the vessel.
   • The rebellion led to a legal battle in the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in favor of the enslaved individuals' freedom.
   • The case highlighted issues of slavery, human rights, and international law.

9. Creole Revolt (1841)

   • Occurred on the ship Creole, where enslaved people revolted and took control while sailing from Virginia to New Orleans.
   • The revolt resulted in the ship being taken to the Bahamas, where the enslaved individuals were granted freedom.
   • This incident strained U.S.-British relations and raised questions about the legality of slavery in the territories.

10. Harper's Ferry Raid (1859)

    • Led by abolitionist John Brown, this raid aimed to initiate a slave uprising by seizing a federal armory in Harper's Ferry, Virginia.
    • Brown and his followers were captured, and the raid failed to incite the widespread rebellion he had hoped for.
    • The event heightened tensions between the North and South, contributing to the onset of the Civil War.