4.3 An Empire of Slavery and the Consumer Revolution

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the role of slavery in the British Empire's history and economy.
• Explain the effects of the 1739 Stono Rebellion and the 1741 New York Conspiracy Trials.
• Describe the consumer revolution's impact on the colonial gentry and other settlers.

Slavery in the British Empire

• Slavery integral to the British Empire in the 18th century.
• Present in all colonies from South Carolina to Boston.
• Influenced colonial thought, culture, and racial identity.

The Stono Rebellion

• Charles II established the Royal African Company for trading enslaved people.
• The company's monopoly led to a high volume of African captives.
• The Stono Rebellion occurred in September 1739 in South Carolina led by Jemmy, a literate Angolan.
• Resulted in the 1740 Negro Act imposing restrictions on enslaved people's freedoms.

The New York Conspiracy Trials of 1741

• High tensions in New York with a significant enslaved population.
• Fires in 1741 led to fear of a slave revolt similar to Stono.
• Resulted in trials that executed 17 people, showing racial divides and panic.

Colonial Gentry and the Consumer Revolution

• Reliance on slavery and indentured servitude led to a wealthy colonial gentry.
• Gentry modeled their lifestyle on the English aristocracy.
• Consumer revolution: increased availability of goods and printed materials.
• Publications like Cato's Letters and the Spectator influenced colonial culture.
• Novels and reading allowed new cultural connections within the British Empire.

Key Individuals

• William Byrd II: Example of colonial gentry, known for his refined lifestyle and documentation of colonial life.

Impact of the Consumer Revolution

• Created links between the colonies and Great Britain.
• Encouraged a shared culture through consumer goods and printed materials.
• Led to the spread of ideas promoting liberty and vigilance against its threats as seen in popular publications.

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