Compare And Contrast Stoon Rebellion And Stono's Rebellion

The British colonies in the 17th century were afflicted by many strenuous periods of tension that boiled over resulting in violent rebellions. Bacon’s Rebellion and the Stono rebellion are two such rebellions that rocked the colonies. These conflicts rose from tension between the governance of the colonies and those who they ruled over. The Stono Rebellion and Bacon’s Rebellion were both examples of the American people’s willful determination, unifying capability, and ability to fight back.
The Stono Rebellion and Bacon’s Rebellion both thoroughly demonstrated the determination of the American people in the British colonies. Despite the brutal treatment that slaves received and the inadequate policies for protecting the farmers of Virginia, both groups of people rose up in distinguished acts of defiance. These revolutionaries both had the goal to make a point to the British government that they are to be feared and not trampled upon. The Virginian farmers did not accept the policies of William Berkley and instead of living under his power, they rose up to fight

for their right to be defended. Similarly the slaves involved in the Stono Rebellion refused to live under the oppressive rule of England and sought to forge a path to freedom in Spanish Florida. This defiance that the African slaves and Virginian farmers shared proved to the British governors that their overreaching power would not be tolerated. The Stono Rebellion and Bacon’s rebellion clearly proved the violent capability and willfulness of the American people.

In addition to the clear defiance of the African slaves and Virginian farmers, the unifying capability of these groups was also demonstrated.

Both the Slaves and Virginian farmers were able to orchestrate precise blows to their oppressors in an effort to gain their rights. The Virginian farmers did this by attacking the seat of government in the region while the African slaves forged a path towards the free Spanish Florida. These pushes towards a future with more rights were not possible without the unifying of numerous slaves, and farmers alike. As one the farmers and slaves could do nothing, but under the leadership of men such as Nathaniel Bacon and Jemmy (leader of the Stono Rebellion), they were able to make a lasting impact on their governments. Unified as one force these groups were able to seize the capital of Virginia and stand face to face with their enemy who denied them basic human

rights.

The British rule in the colonies was largely unquestioned in the colonies before these major rebellions because of the enormous military and political power Britain and its officials possessed. However, the British did underestimate the fighting ability of the lowly colonists and slaves. As seen in both Bacon’s Rebellion and the Stono Rebellion the Virginian farmers and African slaves were both able to temporarily gain the upper hand in a fight against British officials. This ability that the American colonists and slaves demonstrated was unheard of in any of Britain’s colonies and because of how rare this occurrence was, the rebels were able to quickly seize their enemies by surprise. It was not until the British assembled forces in South Carolina that the rebellious slaves were fought off and slaughtered. Similarly the Virginian farmers quickly gained control of Virginia’s capital and assumed control of the colony temporarily. These victories, though short, were monumental triumphs for Americans who sought better lives.

The Stono Rebellion and Bacon’s Rebellion both showcased clearly the willingness of the American people to defy the rule of the British. These conflict had little success in the long run, however, they proved a point to the British rulers of the land. As a result of these victories it was proven that rebellion was possible, but brutal. This ability to rebel transcended down to the future rebels of the American Revolution. Overall the Stono Rebellion and Bacon’s Rebellion were monumental events that proved the American colonists and African slave’s ability to defy, unify and fight back.