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Rebellions Of Gabriel Prosser, Nat Turner, And Denmark Vessey

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When viewing the history of slavery in America, it becomes clear that violence toward slaves was truly a horrific kind of glue binding together the social construct of slave societies. The role of violence in a slave society can be more clearly understood by an examination of a several rebellions throughout history. Specifically, the rebellions of Gabriel Prosser, Nat Turner, and Denmark Vessey. A closer look at these rebellions gives insight into how violence controlled the dynamic of slave societies. Gabriel Prosser was born into slavery in Brookfield Virginia, and was seen as being a very smart man by whites and black people alike. He was also able to read and write. Gabriel’s Rebellion was planned in 1800, but was not carried to fruition. The plan was for Prosser to lead the slaves into Richmond, but the rebellion was postponed due to rain. Suspicion arose among slave owners, and Prosser’s plan was exposed by two of his followers. Gabriel escaped Richmond, but was seen by another slave, and betrayed for the reward on his head. This rebellion ended before it truly began, and Prosser and 25 other slaves were hanged. …show more content…

Nat Turner was another literate and deeply Christian slave. Turner was born into slavery in Virginia. When Nat was born his mother attempted to kill him, to prevent him from living a life of slavery. Turners rebellion began with the Turner house, where they killed all members of the household, excluding an infant. They moved from household to household, killing the slave masters and gaining followers in the slaves they freed. The only house spared was a white family who didn’t own slaves. Within two days they were stopped. Nat was hanged, and 55 of his followers were executed by the state. It is estimated that around 120 other black people were killed by white militias and mobs, regardless of their involvement in the

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