Slave Rebellions in the United States

Slave Rebellions in relation to Crime and Race

Slave Rebellions is included in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime (1), beginning with: Slave rebellions began with slavery itself. Slave revolts took place in ways large and small. The fear and paranoia of slave holders led to the enactment of criminal laws with brutal consequences for those convicted of crimes against slavery. Noted leaders of slave rebellions—Denmark Vesey, Nathaniel Turner, Sengbe Pieh (known as Jose Cinque), and John Brown—paid the ultimate price in their quest for freedom, giving their lives to strike a blow against human bondage. Insurrections against human bondage took place across the country in every state in which slavery existed. Yet, history may never cite all of those men, women, and children who rebelled individually or led others in protests against enslavement. Slave rebellions were acts of protest. Africans in America rose up against oppression in acts of violence and civil disobedience deemed crimes against slavery. Enslaved farmworkers sabotaged tools.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Entry about Slave Rebellions in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime

See Also