Overview
This lecture explores forms of resistance by enslaved people, focusing on the Stono Rebellion in South Carolina, its causes, outcomes, and impact on laws and attitudes about slavery.
Everyday Resistance by the Enslaved
- Enslaved people resisted slavery daily through small acts like slowing work, feigning illness, or misplacing tools.
- These resistance tactics offered enslaved individuals some agency within the oppressive system.
Background and Demographics of South Carolina
- South Carolina's economy depended on cash crops like tobacco and rice, fueling a high demand for enslaved labor.
- By 1740, Black people made up about two-thirds of South Carolina’s population, with around 40,000 Black and 20,000 White residents.
- Many enslaved people were African-born; new arrivals continued to increase the Black population.
White Fears and Responses
- White planters feared rebellion due to their minority status and enacted the 1739 Security Act requiring white men to carry firearms to church.
- The Security Act was passed before, but not yet in effect during, the Stono Rebellion.
Spanish Proclamation and Its Influence
- Spain offered freedom and refuge in St. Augustine, Florida, to enslaved people who escaped from British colonies and converted to Catholicism.
- This proclamation encouraged hopes of escape among enslaved people in South Carolina.
The Stono Rebellion: Events and Leaders
- Led by Jemmy, the rebellion started on September 9, 1739, with about 20 enslaved people, growing to nearly 100.
- Rebels armed themselves, marched under a “Liberty” banner, and aimed for St. Augustine.
- The rebellion was suppressed near the Edisto River; around 30 rebels were killed, others captured, executed, or sold to the Caribbean.
Aftermath and Legal Reactions
- South Carolina blamed both the enslaved and the Spanish for the rebellion.
- The colony passed new laws (similar to Slave Codes) further restricting enslaved people’s rights, including banning literacy.
- Enslavers feared literacy could help enslaved people escape or challenge their oppression.
Indoctrination and Demographic Policies
- Authorities promoted religious indoctrination to justify slavery and discourage rebellion.
- South Carolina restricted slave imports and encouraged European immigration to increase the white population.
- Some laws attempted to limit extreme cruelty but did not end slavery’s harshness.
Legacy of the Stono Rebellion
- The rebellion demonstrated the courage and desire for freedom among enslaved Black people.
- Its importance lies in its symbolism of continued resistance against slavery, not just in its immediate outcomes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Stono Rebellion — A major 1739 slave uprising in South Carolina, led by Jemmy, aiming for freedom in Spanish Florida.
- Security Act (1739) — Law requiring white men in South Carolina to carry firearms to church as a precaution against slave rebellions.
- Slave Codes — Laws restricting enslaved people's rights and freedoms to prevent rebellion and maintain control.
- Indoctrination — Teaching enslaved people manipulated religious beliefs to justify slavery and discourage resistance.
- Freedom Papers — Documents required for free Black people to prove their status.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review how the Stono Rebellion influenced future slave laws and resistance movements.
- Be prepared to discuss the varied forms and significance of resistance among enslaved people.