The Cato Rebellion

During the 1700s and throughout part of the 1800s, the majority of the whites relied solely on their African slaves for their survival. Not only did the slaves help the survival of their owners by harvesting their food and caring for their home and family, but it more importantly kept the economy running. Despite the massive slave population in America, there were very few slave revolts, compared to the population. Historian Herbert Aptheker, in his book American Negro Slave Revolts estimated about 250 rebellions took place. The number of slave rebellions in American history are minimal but the threat of slave revolts was so great that it had an extensive effect on the economic, legislative, and cultural aspect of slavery. Slavery was protected

This rebellion was believed to have been triggered by the Spanish who were offering freedom to any slave who escaped from the British colony, as seen in an anonymous primary source by a white official who wrote, “There was a Proclamation published at Augustine, in which the King of Spain (then at Peace with Great Britain) promised Protection and Freedom to all Negroes Slaves that would resort thither” (“North American Slave Revolts”). The rebellion started with just 20 men, but soon expanded to about 90 as more slaves joined in. The slaves were defeated after a week-long rebellion by a group of militiamen. The militiamen killed off many more slaves than the slaves had killed. Slaves who helped their masters after the revolt were rewarded with freedom or new clothes (“North American Slave Revolts”). Although the revolt seemed like it failed, once again, it actually succeeded in various ways. It instilled a fear among the slave owners because they were scared about another uprising. Because something like this had not happened before in America, the Whites knew something had to be done to prevent another major uprising. Ironically, the slaves rebelled for freedom, but it caused them to be restrained more than before. Immediately following the Stono Rebellion, the Negro Slave Codes of 1740 were

2, 1800, Turner developed two characteristics that would propel him eventually to lead an insurrection: literacy skills and a religion-based fervor against slavery” (Lusane). Nat Turner’s Rebellion took place in Southampton County, Virginia in 1831, the same year William Lloyd Garrison published his first issue of The Liberator (“Causes of Slave Insurrections”). Garrison was accused by many Southerners for influencing Turner to start the rebellion. Turner was a slave preacher who believed he was God’s messenger sent to save the people. He saw several signs and spirits in his dreams which eventually led to the uprising such as eclipses and black and white angels (Van Rheenen). When he was asked what he meant by “spirit”, Turner replied, “ ...and then again I had the same revelation, which fully confirmed me in the impression that I was ordained for some great purpose in the hands of the Almighty. Several years rolled round, in which many events occurred to strengthen me in this my belief” (Turner). The revolt started off at Turner’s master’s farm, and moved from farm to farm killing any whites they saw along the way. Though some slaves protected their owners during the uprising, most took part in it (Van Rheenen). Turner’s main goal was to create panic throughout the South. Hundreds of innocent blacks were killed following the uprising in response to fear. Governor John Floyd received numerous requests for the slave rebellions to be shut down by