Nat Turner's Rebellion
In August of 1831, the nightmare of every slave owner came true: An armed slave revolt. The leader was Nat Turner - a thirty year old slave in Southampton County, Virginia who believed he was on a mission from God. Turner and about 60 others struck terror in the local community as they traveled from house to house, freeing slaves and killing whites. Some white families that Turner identified as poor were spared from the violence. With guns being difficult for slaves to acquire, many resorted to knives, farming implements, and other blunt weapons. Perhaps 50-60 whites were killed.
The revolt spread panic through the area and neighboring counties. While the revolt was quickly subdued and Turner himself arrested, tried, and execute within 6 weeks, the violent retaliation by whites was far more serious and deadly. Spurred by panic and fear or spreading insurrection, perhaps as many as 60-120 blacks were murdered or executed as militia terrorized the countryside. Many bodies were mutilated and body parts left as warnings against further revolts. Following the Rebellion, many states throughout the South encouraged or required the adoption of Black Codes that restricted the freedoms for slaves to prevent future insurrections. |
* * * Discussion Questions * * *
1. How did the events of Nat Turner's rebellion change the living conditions for slaves?
2. How does Nat Turner's Rebellion compare with John Brown's Raid?
2. How does Nat Turner's Rebellion compare with John Brown's Raid?
Primary Sources
Thomas Ruffin Gray
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Nat Turner Project |
Gray was a white attorney who spent time with Turner before and during his trial. He recorded his observations and Nat Turner's own explanation for his actions.
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Perhaps the best collection of Nat Turner resources in the country, The Nat Turner Project contains detailed accounts of the events surrounding the 1831 revolt. Furthermore, it also possesses several primary sources including maps and letters.
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Secondary Sources
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