Stono Slave Rebellion: A Documentary (Biggest Slave Rebellion in American History - 1739)

Summary

The Stono Rebellion of 1739, led by the slave Cato, was a fierce uprising in South Carolina with the goal of reaching Spanish Florida for freedom. Starting with 20 slaves, the revolt quickly grew to 80, as they raided plantations, killed owners, and freed slaves along their path. Despite being met with a militia led by Lieutenant Governor William Bull, the rebellion, though ultimately suppressed, left a lasting impact, inspiring future slave revolts and leading to stricter slave codes and measures to control slaves.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The Stono Rebellion was one of the largest slave revolts in history, ignited by a slave named Jimmy, also known as Cato, in 1739.
• 🗣️ Cato led the revolt with the goal of reaching Spanish Florida, which was considered the 'promised land' where slaves would be granted freedom.
• 📅 The rebellion began on a Sunday, September 8th, 1739, in Charlestown, South Carolina, starting with about 20 slaves and growing to around 80 participants.
• 🛡️ Cato and his followers raided a local firearm shop for weapons, marking the start of their armed resistance against slave owners.
• 🗺️ The rebels marched south of Charleston, destroying plantations and freeing slaves along the way, while some plantation owners were spared for their kind treatment.
• 🚷 The rebellion was met with resistance by a militia formed by Lieutenant Governor William Bull, consisting of 100 planters and slaveholders.
• 🛑 The conflict resulted in a standoff and a mini war, with approximately 20 whites and 44 blacks killed, and 30-40 black rebels escaping to continue their journey.
• 🔒 In response to the rebellion, stricter slave codes were enforced, increasing punishment for runaways and requiring better treatment to prevent future revolts.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Slave owners began to use informants within the slave community to monitor and control the slaves more effectively.
• 🔫 The Security Act was passed, requiring all whites to carry guns on Sundays to be prepared for potential slave attacks during their day off.
• 🏆 Some slaves who did not join or fought against the rebellion were rewarded with clothes, money, and even freedom to set an example for loyalty.

Q & A

What was the Stono Rebellion?

The Stono Rebellion was one of the largest slave revolts in history, occurring in 1739 in South Carolina, led by a slave named Jimmy, also known as Cato.

How did the rebellion begin?

The rebellion began on a plantation in Charlestown, South Carolina, with about 20 slaves led by Cato, who sought to overthrow their white masters and gain freedom.

What was the goal of the rebellion?

The goal of the rebellion was to reach the Spanish-controlled Florida, where the slaves believed they would be granted freedom.

What was the significance of the date September 9th, 1739?

September 9th, 1739, marked the beginning of the armed rebellion as Cato and his followers raided a local firearm shop for weapons and began their march southward.

How many slaves joined the rebellion at its peak?

At its peak, the rebellion grew to include about 80 slaves.

What was the role of drums, banners, and shouts of 'Liberty' during the rebellion?

Drums, banners, and shouts of 'Liberty' were used to rally the slaves, communicate their intentions, and inspire others to join the rebellion.

Why did the rebels spare the life of one plantation owner?

The rebels spared the life of one plantation owner because he was known to treat his slaves well, demonstrating a level of humanity amidst the violence.

Who led the militia that confronted the rebels?

Lieutenant Governor William Bull led the militia of 100 planters and slaveholders that confronted the rebels.

What was the outcome of the confrontation between the rebels and the militia?

The confrontation resulted in about 20 whites and 44 blacks dead, with 30 to 40 black rebels managing to escape and continue their journey to freedom.

What measures were taken by the white community in response to the rebellion?

In response to the rebellion, the white community enforced stricter slave codes, required owners to treat their slaves better to prevent future rebellions, and passed the Security Act, which mandated all whites to carry guns on Sundays.

How did the Stono Rebellion influence future slave revolts?

The Stono Rebellion inspired a new spirit in slaves, showing them that they could rise up against their oppressors, and influenced future rebels like Nat Turner to lead their own uprisings.