What was the most common form of resistance by slaves?
|
Enslaved Africans resisted, or rebelled, against their position as slaves in many different ways. Each expression of resistance by enslaved individuals or groups counted as acts of rebellion against the system of slavery. The many instances of resistance show that slaves were not victims of slavery who accepted their situation. Instead they proved their strength and determination in fighting for their freedom. Show Uprising, or rebellion, was the most dramatic and bloody way that slaves could resist their enslavement. Less obvious methods of resistance occurred on the plantations. For example, slaves could steal from their owner, robbing him of his property and profit. They could damage machinery, so that it was put out of action and needed either lengthy repairs or costly replacement. The slaves could avoid work, by working as slowly as they dared, or by pretending to be sick. All these acts of resistance carried the threat of punishment if they were found out. There were other ways of attacking slave owners. The children of a slave woman were born as slaves. Therefore, some women would terminate a pregnancy or even kill their new-born babies rather than bring a child into the world to be a slave. In doing this, the women rebelled against the slavery system as well as depriving their owners of another slave. Many enslaved African women had knowledge of medicines made from plants and could use their skills against owners. Plantation owners were therefore anxious that the female slaves who cooked their food might poison them. Pictured here is an ‘antidote’ (which reverses the effects of poison) printed in the Bristol Weekly Intelligencer, 1750. Presumably this was printed for the benefit of nervous plantation owners. Arson and murder were also ever-present threats in the plantation owners’ minds. Edward Huggins, a sugar grower on the island of Nevis, had a reputation as a brutal slave owner. His slaves made five attempts on his life, and would have been severely punished for each one. Another way of resisting slavery was to run away, and although some slaves were hunted down with dogs, and severely punished, others managed to remain free. Local Caribbean newspapers were used by plantation owners to advertise for the runaway slaves. Advertisements for runaways were also placed in British Newspapers. A St Kitts plantation owner put the one pictured here in Felix Farley’s Bristol Journal for 23rd January 1762, offering a reward. This owner assumed that his runaway had managed to get to Britain. Ten guineas (or £10.50, about £500 today) was a large reward. Enslaved Africans also fought against slavery by keeping their African cultures and traditions alive in words, names, music and beliefs. Slave owners often tried to control this. Slaves’ drumming was banned by plantation owners on the Caribbean island of St Kitts (except at Christmas time). Such activity was seen as a threat by the owners. They knew that if the slaves developed a common sense of identity through African culture and traditions, they would be more likely to join together and rebel against their owners. Drumming was an important part of many African musical and religious traditions. By not being allowed to do it, the slaves on St. Kitts were kept in check by their owners. The mainly Christian plantation owners also did not want their slaves taking part in any religious activity that was not Christian. African religions were very different from Christianity and the slave owners were suspicious of them. So, even playing the drums, or continuing to practice their religious beliefs were methods by which the slaves could resist and challenge slavery. Slaves resisted bondage in a variety of active and passive ways. Although forms varied, the common denominator in all acts of resistance was an attempt to claim some measure of freedom against an institution that defined people fundamentally as property. Injured Humanity, Being a Representation of What the Unhappy Children of Africa Endure from Those Who Call Themselves Christians (1904-12-09) by Wood, SamuelThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History On March 2, 1807, Congress voted to ban the international slave trade as of January 1, 1808. However, the institution of slavery remained. The slave system made possible an unprecedented economic growth in the United States. Slavery dominated the southern economy, even as resistance exposed the inhumanity of the institution. $2,500 Reward! Mississippi Co., Missouri broadside advertising runaway slaves (1852-08-23)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Despite overwhelming odds, running away was a direct, disruptive, and frequent form of resistance. Most runaways were hidden by free blacks in cities and towns, often in safe houses on the Underground Railroad. Slave songs often gave coded escape directions. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot performed by Sheriff Bob & the Goodtimers. Andrew Jackson to Hardy Murfree Cryer regarding a runaway slave (1823-07-12) by Jackson, AndrewThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History In this letter to Hardy Cryer, a Methodist preacher in Sumner County, Tennessee, Andrew Jackson describes the flogging and subsequent escape of a slave named Cyrus. Jackson says that Cyrus has been found and "shall not be abused, but he must be taught subordination." Cryer may have been interested in buying Cyrus. The letter reveals that Jackson directly supervised his slaves, as did other American presidents such as Jefferson and Polk. Slave Markets of America (1905-01-09) by American Anti-Slavery SocietyThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History There were few slave revolts during the antebellum period as the power of the slave system in the southern states served as a successful deterrent. Yet slave insurrection was every slaveholder's nightmare. Authentic and impartial narrative of the tragical scene which was witnessed in Southampton County (Virginia) on Monday the 22d of August last, when fifty-five of its inhabitants (mostly women and children) were inhumanly massacred by the blacks! (1905-01-04) by Warner, SamuelThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Nat Turner's revolt in August 1831 had an immense influence on American society. The uprising in Southampton County, Virginia, involved between 60 and 80 slaves and left approximately 60 whites dead. Nat Turner's Rebellion touched off panic in many parts of the South, resulting in the killings of scores of black people. Turner was captured on October 30 and hanged on November 11, 1831. Nelson Allyn to Joseph Allyn describing events following Nat Turner's rebellion (1831-09-25) by Allyn, NelsonThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History This letter was written in Gates County, North Carolina, near Southampton County, Virginia, where the revolt took place. Nelson offers a graphic description of the bloodshed that was unleashed. Slave Markets of America (1905-01-09) by American Anti-Slavery SocietyThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Early abolitionists had relied on moral suasion to advance their cause. With the advent of cheap printing presses, abolitionist societies were able to publish millions of broadsides in the 1830s to expose the brutality of slavery. "Slave Market of America" asserts that slavery violates the intent of the Bible, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave. Written by himself. (1905-01-19) by Douglass, Frederick (1818-1895)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History The writings and activities of escaped slaves strengthened the movement to end slavery. Frederick Douglass's masterful autobiography, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself was a bestseller. Douglass, an eloquent and powerful speaker, was one of many African Americans who lectured tirelessly in support of abolition and racial equality. Abolitionist broadside (1859-12-01)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Michael Row the Boat Ashore Credits: Story Developed by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History from Slavery and Abolition: People, Places, Politics: History in a Box, 2009
Credits: All media The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content. Stories from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Explore more Related theme Black History and Culture The past, present, and future of the Black experience in the United States View themeWhat were some forms of resistance slavery?Many resisted slavery in a variety of ways, differing in intensity and methodology. Among the less obvious methods of resistance were actions such as feigning illness, working slowly, producing shoddy work, and misplacing or damaging tools and equipment.
What forms of resistance did slaves resort to?Sometimes enslaved Africans would resort to more open or violent means of resistance, including the poisoning of animals and owners, and sometimes turned it against themselves by committing infanticide, self-mutilation and suicide.
How did slaves resist their treatment?Slaves resisted their treatment in innumerable ways. They slowed down their work pace, disabled machinery, feigned sickness, destroyed crops. They argued and fought with their masters and overseers. Many stole livestock, other food, or valuables.
|
