Chose a rebellion from the list below and research it. Write 2-3 paragraphs on your
findings, including why the group of people rebelled and how it changed history. You
may use evidence from your research to help support your claims. You may use your
primary and/or your secondary source to help with your paragraph if it fits. Be sure to
proofread and use proper grammar.
Choose from:
• Nat Turner Rebellion
• New York Conspiracy of 1741
• German Coast Uprising of 1811
• Amistad Rebellion
• Stono Rebellion
The Stono Rebellion, also known as Cato's Conspiracy, was one of the most significant slave revolts in American history. It took place in September 1739 in South Carolina, when a group of enslaved Africans rose up against their white captors. Led by an enslaved man named Jemmy, approximately 20 slaves gathered at the Stono River and raided a store, killing the two shopkeepers. As they made their way to Florida, the rebels grew in number to nearly 100, but were eventually intercepted and defeated by a militia.
The rebellion was primarily motivated by the desire for freedom and escape from the harsh conditions of slavery. Slaves in South Carolina faced cruel punishments, strict regulations, and constant surveillance. The Stono Rebellion is significant because it served as a powerful reminder to Southern slaveholders of the constant threat that enslaved Africans posed to their oppressive system. In response, the South Carolina Legislature passed the Negro Act of 1740, which further restricted the rights and freedoms of enslaved Africans, making it even harder for them to organize and resist.
The Stono Rebellion had a lasting impact on the history of slavery in America. It intensified white fears and anxieties about slave revolts, leading to even harsher treatment and control of enslaved Africans. The Negro Act of 1740 further codified the legal and social discrimination against African Americans in the South, reinforcing the institution of slavery and deepening racial divisions. The rebellion also contributed to the growing debate over slavery in the American colonies and fueled early abolitionist movements that sought to dismantle the institution.