African-Americans resisted slavery in a couple of different ways. They had slave uprisings, spoke out against slavery, and also they ran away from slavery through the Underground Railroad. One way more than the rest helped the white community to realize that the African-Americans were willing to give up their lives for this cause. That these were people, not animals and that a war was on its way. This was shown through the numerous slave revolts.
Denmark Vesey was sold first as a slave in 1781 to a Bermuda captain named Joseph Vesey ( Denmark Vesey 1). Denmark assumed his master s surname and accompanied him on numerous voyages, and in 1783 Denmark settled with his owner in Charleston ( Denmark Vesey 1). Denmark won a street lottery and he bought his own freedom ( Denmark Vesey 1). He then became a carpenter and he had trouble working with all of the other white workers ( Denmark Vesey 1). He was an educated man and he already knew of the great Haitian slave revolt of the 1790s ( Denmark Vesey 1). He resented the continued enslavement of his children and his second class treatment on the job ( Denmark Vesey 1). He was determined to do something about slavery and the overall treatment of African-Americans ( Denmark Vesey 1). Vesey planned and organized an uprising of city and plantation blacks ( Denmark Vesey 1). The plan called for the rebels to attack guardhouses and arsenals, seize their arms, kill whites, burn and destroy the city, and free the slaves on the night of June 16, 1822 ( Denmark Vesey 1). As many as 9,000 blacks may have been involved with this plan ( Denmark Vesey 1). The only problem was that a house servant over heard the plan and brought it to white authorities ( Denmark Vesey 1). These authorities made massive military preparations, which prevented the insurrection ( Denmark Vesey 1). During the ensuing two months, some 130 blacks were arrested ( Denmark Vesey 1). In the trials that followed, 67 were convicted of trying to raise an insurrection; of these, 35, including Vesey, were hanged, and 32 were condemned to exile ( Denmark Vesey 1). In addition, four white men were fined and imprisoned for encouraging the plot ( Denmark Vesey 1).
The only effective, sustained slave uprising was led by American bondsman Nat Turner ( Nat Turner 1). Nat Turner was born the property of a prosperous small-plantation owner in a remote area of Virginia ( Nat Turner 1). His mother was an African native who passed on a passionate hatred of slavery to her son ( Nat Turner 1). He learned to read from one of the master s sons, and eagerly absorbed intensive religious training ( Nat Turner 1). In the early 1820s he was sold to a neighboring farmer ( Nat Turner 1). During the following decade he became very religious and he saw himself called upon by God to lead his people out of bondage ( Nat Turner 1). He began to exert a powerful influence on many of the nearby slaves, who called him the Prophet ( Nat Turner 1). In 1831, shortly after he had been sold again, he saw a sign in the form of an eclipse of the Sun ( Nat Turner 1). This caused Nat Turner to believe that the time was near to strike back against the whites ( Nat Turner 1). His plan was to capture the armory at the country seat, Jerusalem, and, having gathered many recruits, to press on to the Dismal Swamp, where capture would be difficult ( Nat Turner 1). On the night of August 21, together with seven fellow slaves in whom he had put his trust, he launched his campaign, murdering his owner and his family in their sleep and then setting forth on a bloody march toward Jerusalem. In two days and nights about 60 white people were slain ( Nat Turner 1). Doomed from the start, Turner s insurrection was handicapped by lack of discipline among his followers and by the fact that only 75 blacks rallied to his cause ( Nat Turner 1). Armed resistance from the local whites and the arrival of the state militia, about 3,000 men, provided the final crushing blow ( Nat Turner 1). Only a few miles from the country seat the rebels were dispersed and either killed or captured, and many innocent slaves were massacred in the hysteria that followed ( Nat Turner 1). Turner eluded his pursuers for six weeks but finally was captured and hanged ( Nat Turner 1).
By the summer of 1859, John Brown had finalized his plans for attack. His target was the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia ( Harpers Ferry 1). This town is surrounded by mountains and tucked in at the bottom of a ravine created by a pair of rivers ( Harpers Ferry 1). The arsenal was a huge complex of buildings that contained 100,000 muskets and rifles ( Harpers Ferry 1). Brown found and recruited 21 men to join him ( Harpers Ferry 1). In a farm house a few miles outside of Harpers Ferry, the small army gathered and waited for the time to strike ( Harpers Ferry 1). Brown was asked to postpone the launch, though, because one of his followers had threatened to reveal the plan ( John Brown 1). So now in 1859 Brown had been in hiding for one year and he and his men were eager to attack ( Harpers Ferry 1). Many of the men that he had recruited the previous year had changed their minds, moved away, or simply did not think that the plan would work ( John Brown 1). Even Henry Highland Garnet, the radical abolitionist who advocated insurrection did not have faith in the plan ( John Brown 1). Brown also met with Frederick Douglas in August of 1859, when Brown told his friend of his intentions and plans ( John Brown 1). Douglas responded saying that Brown was making a grave mistake. Your walking into a perfect steel trap that you will never walk out of alive. He told Brown ( John Brown 2). On the evening of October 16, Brown gathered his men and together they set out for Harpers Ferry ( Harpers Ferry 1). At first the raid went smoothly ( Harpers Ferry 1). They cut telegraph wires, then easily captured the federal armory and arsenal, which was being defended by a lone watchman ( Harpers Ferry 1). They rounded up hostages from the town, about 60 in total ( John Brown 2). Then the problems began when a train approached town ( Harpers Ferry 1). The baggage master ran to warn the passengers ( Harpers Ferry 1). Brown s men shouted at him to halt, then fired and killed the fist victim of Harpers Ferry, a free black man. ( Harpers Ferry 1). Then, bizarrely, Brown allowed the train to continue on its way ( Harpers Ferry 1). News of his raid made its way to Washington by late mourning ( Harpers Ferry 1). Farmers, militiamen, and shopkeepers took potshots down at Brown s men from the heights behind town ( Harpers Ferry 1). The raiders were pinned down in the armory buildings ( Harpers Ferry 2). At noon, a company of militiamen stormed into town ( Harpers Ferry 2). They charged over the bridge, and the only true escape route was gone ( Harpers Ferry 2). Eight raiders were dead or dying; five others were cut off ( Harpers Ferry 2). Two others had escaped across the river ( Harpers Ferry 2). Brown gathered those who were left in a small brick building, the engine house ( Harpers Ferry 2). The next morning, the raiders woke up to a terrifying sight; the armory yard was lined with a company of U.S. Marines, under the command of Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee. Brown and his men were completely surrounded ( Harpers Ferry 2). A young lieutenant, J.E.B. Stuart, approached under a white flag ( Harpers Ferry 2). Stuart handed over a note: if the raiders surrendered, their lives would be spared ( Harpers Ferry 2). Brown refused the negotiations ( Harpers Ferry 2). Marines stormed the building; the door was breached ( Harpers Ferry 2). One Marine tried to run Brown through, but the blade struck the old man s belt buckle ( Harpers Ferry 2). Brown was then beaten unconscious ( Harpers Ferry 2). John Brown was taken to Charleston, Virginia along with four other captives ( Harpers Ferry 2). His statements during his trial reached the nation, inspiring many with his righteous indignation toward slavery ( Harpers Ferry 2). The hanging would make Brown an abolitionist martyr ( Harpers Ferry 2). John Brown’s dedication to the abolition of slavery prompted Frederick Douglas to write the following: “Did John Brown fail? John Brown began the war that ended American slavery and made this a free Republic. His zeal in the cause of my race was far greater than mine. I could live for the slave, but he could die for him ( Harpers Ferry 2).
Works Cited
Nat Turner Yahoo. 2001 britannica/eb/article?eu=75803&tocid=0 (5/20/01).
Denmark Vesey Yahoo. 2001. britannica/eb/article?eu=77148&tocid=0 (5/20/01).
Harpers Ferry Yahoo. 2001. pbs/wgbh/amex/brown/peopleevents/pande09.html (5/20/01).
John Brown Yahoo. 2001. pbs/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2940.html (5/20/01)
Другие работы по теме:
Before Freedom Essay Research Paper The author
Before Freedom Essay, Research Paper The author of the book is Belinda Hurmence, she is well qualified to write a book such as this which she well demonstrates. She has done many long hours of research on slavery and the affects on the former individual slaves themselves. She has written many volumes on slavery and the opinion of many former American slaves on slavery.
The Adventures Of Huckelbery Finn Essay Research
Paper Is This a Racist Novel? Mark Twain wrote ?The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn? in the 1800?s. During this time slavery was socially acceptable. Even in the church it was taught that there was nothing wrong with slavery. Black people were often referred to as ?niggers?. Huck, even though he was a friend of Jim, didn?t even think twice about calling a black person a nigger.
Freedom Essay Research Paper After the Civil
Freedom Essay, Research Paper After the Civil War, state legislatures enacted codes to define or limit the freedom of the slaves. These Black Codes, as they were called, were in essence an extension another revised form of slavery. U.S. legislation declared all slaves free, and then allowed the individual states to enact their own regulations to control or limit that freedom.
Slavery In Us Essay Research Paper Slavery
Slavery In Us Essay, Research Paper Slavery, one of the most horrible experiences for blacks in the U.S. they were tortured and beaten. They had to do anything that their owner told them. Soon a man named Abraham Lincoln came to their rescue and freed the slaves. Soon after Blacks gained independence they were allowed to use public bathrooms, and most important their right to vote.
BLACK Essay Research Paper BLACK IS THE
BLACK Essay, Research Paper BLACK IS THE HOLE DEEP IN OUR HEARTS THE LONELINESS WE FEEL, WHEN OUR LOVED ONES DEPART BLACK IS THE COLOR OF THE HEAVENLY SKY THE COLOR YOU WEAR
Slavery In Us Essay Research Paper It
Slavery In Us Essay, Research Paper It is my intent to assess the plight of African Americans at a time when they were slaves. They were forcibly taken by rich white merchants to a new and strange land called America. Right from the very start, slavery was a controversial issue and it was argued with the constant reminder of man’s inhumanity to man.
Emancipation Proclamation Essay Research Paper There is
Emancipation Proclamation Essay, Research Paper There is much discussion about Lincoln’s order abolishing slavery in the states “in rebellion”. Though the Emancipation Proclamation did not free any slaves right out nor make any drastic changes it was a very necessary, very big step taken. Lincoln began an essential phase that the country had to get through in order for slavery to ever be abolished.
The Civil War Essay Research Paper History
The Civil War Essay, Research Paper History Reflection Coons, darkies, boys. These are just a few of the incredibly insulting names that you could hear whites calling the black slaves in any of the Southern or Northern states during the 1850Os to the 1860Os. My Grandmother was raised in Missouri in the 1930Os.
Slavery And Evolution Of The Cherokee Essay
, Research Paper ENC3240 A Review of Slavery and Evolution of the Cherokee Society 1540-1866 by Theda Perdue In this well-written book by Theda Perdue, he discloses much of the history of slavery among the Cherokee people and their evolution during this 326 year period. He begins with their abduction by the Spanish.
Slavery Essay Research Paper Slavery the practice
Slavery Essay, Research Paper Slavery the practice of one person owning another ? this type of practice has existed since ancient times. In the United States slaves from Africa were bought and sold like property. Although at first there were slaves in both the northern and southern part of the United States, by the early nineteenth century, slavery had died out in the North.
Black Face Essay Research Paper Black FaceIn
Black Face Essay, Research Paper Black Face In Response to the movie I have a lot of matters to comment on. I was fortunate enough to be semi-educated on the topic of “Black Face” and racist advertising prior to the video. Therefore, the movie served as a thorough recap of the information that I discovered previously.
Antibiotic Resistance Essay Research Paper Antibiotic ResistanceAntibiotic
Antibiotic Resistance Essay, Research Paper Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria that cause infection are not killed by the antibiotics taken to stop the infection. The bacteria survive and continue to multiply causing more harm. Widespread use of antibiotics promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Slave Trades Essay Research Paper African slave
Slave Trades Essay, Research Paper African slave trade to the America and the European was much worse than slavery in Africa. In this essay ,I will show you the differences. Where were the slave trade took place. Slavery was mostly happing in North America in the carribean and in Europe.The ships full of slaves mostly come to Cuba.
Civil War By Edward Hagenlocher Essay Research
Paper Migration west brought South and North into conflict over slavery. Earlier compromises between the sections had succeeded because slavery had been a relatively minor issue; major differences usually revolved around culture, economics, and the balance of power. However, by the 1840s, slavery and its expansion became a central, pivotal issue.
Lincoln Essay Research Paper Abraham Lincoln is
Lincoln Essay, Research Paper Abraham Lincoln is an American hero. A lot of important events occurred that changed America forever. Three of them are giving the Gettysberg address, ending slavery, and becoming assassinated.
The Us Constitution Essay Research Paper A
The Us. Constitution Essay, Research Paper A: William Lloyd Garrison was the real thing in the sense that he was a professional radical…. Garrison was also one of the few white abolitionists who shouldered up to David Walker and actually published parts of…Walker’s appeal in the Liberator in 1831, after Walker’s death.
Life Essay Research Paper Both violent and
Life Essay, Research Paper Both violent and non-violent resistance are major themes in the movie The Mission. Even tough the Jesuits are peaceful of God they used both violent and non-violent resistance in this story to stand for what they believe in. Violent protest is aggressive and commanding while non-violent resistance is truly standing up for something.
Black Rebellions An Un Achievable Goal For
Slaves In The South Essay, Research Paper Black Rebellions, An Unachievable Goal for Slaves in the South Full scale slave rebellions as those planned by Nat Turner, Denmark Vessey, and Gabriel Prosser were not common among the African American community in the United States in the nineteenth century. This was due to a lack of hope among the slaves in the South, slave patrols, the fact that less than five percent of the slaves could read, fear of brutality by white masters, and lack of equality for blacks in the legal system.
Freedom Not Always The Answer Essay Research
Paper Freedom, not Always the Answer It is a popular misconception that the northern states, in pre-Civil War days, were not prejudice. In fact, in some cases, the opposite is true. The North and South both had their shares of racism. It didn’t matter where you were at. If you were a black, you weren’t human. Even free blacks were despised, feared, and thought to be less than human.
ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF BLACKSOLDIERS IN
THE CIVIL WAR Essay, Research Paper During the Civil War many blacks chose to fight for the Federal Army against the Confederacy. Black soldiers were discriminated against and at first restricted from combat. Later in the war the colored regiments saw some of the most extensive combat of the war. Thousands of blacks volunteered to fight to free their people from the horrors of slavery.
Abolition Essay Research Paper Abolition A Stronger
Abolition Essay, Research Paper Abolition A Stronger Resistance The abolitionist movement in the United States sought to eradicate slavery using a wide range of tactics and organizations. The antislavery movement mobilized many African Americans and some whites who sought to end the institution of slavery.
Fredrick Douglass Essay Essay Research Paper Fredrick
Fredrick Douglass Essay Essay, Research Paper Fredrick Douglass essay Escaping from slavery in 1838 had to be a treacherous experience; escaping slavery at any time would be! Most slaves couldn?t read or write, but one slave, Fredrick Douglass, broke that barrier and many more. In this particular writing he uses a wide-open state of mind to clearly get his thoughts across.
Why Slavery Essay Research Paper Captivity bondage
Why Slavery? Essay, Research Paper Captivity, bondage, restraint, subjugation, and slavery. These words all mean one thing, enslaving someone against their will. Slavery was an episode in history that scarred, many African men, women and children. Slavery tore families apart, shattered dreams, and left African?s feeling shameful and hopeless.
Slavery 2 Essay Research Paper SlaverySlavery was
Slavery 2 Essay, Research Paper Slavery Slavery was the most common form of forced labor in History. Slavery was very bad and wrong. A slave was treated like property and not like a Human Being and owned by other Human Being s.
Dred Scott Decision Essay Research Paper The
Dred Scott Decision Essay, Research Paper The Dred Scott decision of 1865 had many implications on the status of free blacks in the United States, along with the concept of popular sovereignty, and the future of slavery in America.
Frederick Douglass Essay Research Paper Who was
Frederick Douglass Essay, Research Paper Who was Frederick Douglass and what was his view on the anti-slavery movement? That’s a very good question since most people have no idea. Frederick Douglass was born
Douglass Essay Research Paper DouglassIn Frederick Douglass
Douglass Essay, Research Paper Douglass In Frederick Douglass? writings I learned that his physical struggles and his writing as resistance are nearly parallel. When Douglass is living in Baltimore with the Auld family, Mrs. Auld began to teach him the alphabet. After this was discovered by Mr. Auld, the teaching ceased, and Douglass was carefully watched to be sure that he was not reading when alone.
Frederick Douglass 4 Essay Research Paper Douglass
Frederick Douglass 4 Essay, Research Paper Douglass Portrayal of Women in Slavery in His Narrative Frederick Douglass portrays the black and white women in The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass at two opposite extremes in his innovative way of using the literary device of contrast to make his views clear and distinct to his readers.
Is There Racism In Huck Finn Essay
, Research Paper Is there Racism in Huckleberry Finn? As we look into issues of racism in the South we have to look at the time and setting of this book. It?s before the Civil War and during slavery when black people were property and not people. Twain?s intent on writing is to show the adventures of Huck and his close friends, and not on the issues of slavery.
Civil War Causes Essay Research Paper Causes
Civil War Causes Essay, Research Paper Causes of the Civil War Although some historians feel that the Civil War was a result of political blunders and that the issue of slavery
Slavery And The History Of The Negro
. Essay, Research Paper Slavery and the History of the Negro. The issue of slavery has been touched upon often in the course of history. The institution of slavery was addressed by French