The Stono Rebellion Of 1739

The Stono Rebellion of 1739 in many ways can be classified as a mini American Revolution. Instead of Royalists versus Patriots, we have rebellious slaves versus just about everyone else. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact causes but through different accounts and documents we can deduce what or who may have caused the revolt. Based on my previous analysis, I suspected that Spanish influence was at fault but after discovering more accounts I believe it was a combination of outside influence along with lenient regulations that helped raise awareness from slaves. The incident at Stono holds a significant place in American history, just like the American Revolution, there were victims being oppressed, obstacles in obtaining equality and triumph that led to a contemporary way of handling the situation.

Document ten appears in the form of Legislation. Written to enforce stricter laws in order to prevent any Stono like events from reoccurring. The document is referred to as the “Slave Code,” and it regulated the behaviors of not only slaves but also those in possession of slaves. Not all of the legislation is included inside document ten. Only the most important provisions are listed and are written with the revolt specifically in mind.

The beginning of the provisions goes into great detail regarding slave usage and consent which includes freedom limitations such as having proper documents to prove slave ownership. It also defines how slaves must be accompanied by their masters when entering certain premises in public. Other provisions consist of denying slaves suspicious assemblies and the legal search and seizure of incriminating evidence. It also attempts to protect slave owners from withholding crimes committed by their slaves. Essent...

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.... Eventually, after celebrating their recent victories, the rebellion was caught off guard and the Bull commanded militia was able to strategically dissemble most of the insurgence. The document also highlights the importance of plantation men bearing arms to Church and how that single law helped quickly end Stono’s Revolt (Hewatt, 34).

All in all, my inclinations on Spanish influence have gone unchanged but through exploring these new sources it’s important to understand the society that slaves were subjected and that it laid a foundation for rebellion. Even though slavery was legal, the conditions and regulations during that time were not perfect. Large populations of slavery would overwhelm the south and push the limits on capitalistic colonial 18th century America. This movement would then be exploited by the Spanish and pave way for new way of handling slavery.