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Violent Resistance In The Slave War

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Violent Resistance In The Slave War
There were many resistances from slaves, violent and non-violent, during the period of slavery in the BWI. Violent resistance was in the form of revolts and rebellions and non-violent resistance included actions such as suicide, poisoning, avoiding work and maroonage. However, there were three violent resistances which stood out. These three were Bussa Rebellion in Barbados (Easter 1816), Demerara Revolt in Guyana (August 1823) and the Sam Sharp Rebellion in Jamaica (December 1831). These rebellious acts came as a result of inhumane treatment and the slaves’ desire for freedom. Abolitionist Elizabeth Hayrick portrayed slave risings “as self-defense from the most degrading, intolerable oppression” (Matthews, 2006). Among all three rebellions there was a familiar aspect, it happened in a period which the Amelioration Proposals (the improvement of the slaves’ way of life) were being made in England. Rumours on the plantations started to spread saying Metropolitan Britain were taking measures to grant slaves their freedom, however the planters still held the slaves captive (Emancipation Rumours). The rumours help in the unrest for freedom and triggered the rebellions and many slaves …show more content…
At first abolitions centralized their efforts on the slave trade, but later turned their focus to slavery itself. While the white abolitionist deserves much recognition for their remarkable efforts to end slavery they tended to be condescending to slaves. This point is dramatically symbolized by the most famous anti slavery, icon kneeling and pleading, “Am I not a man and a brother.” The abolitionists however, should be gratefully thanked for converting the slaves’ servile warfare into helpful propaganda. Without these courageous slaves rebelling and taking a stand for the rights they deserve maybe today black people would still be

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