"I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery" -Samuel Sharpe
The Rebellion:
The Baptist War began after Christmas in 1831. The revolt lasted ten days and was led by Samuel Sharpe, a slave who organized the rebellion. The rebellion began as a peaceful protest initiated when slaves refused to work until receiving compensation for their work. (21)Unfortunately, slaveholders refused to pay the slaves and the rebellion began. Nearly 60,000 slaves were involved in the rebellion and nearly 200 plantations attacked. After millions of dollars of property were destroyed, the British troops finally regained order squashing the rebellion, but fear of the event stuck in the hearts of the slaveholders and in England.(22)
The Effects:
The Baptist War had many effects. Although it was not successful for the slaves of Jamaica at the time, the revolt struck fear into the heart of Britain. Thus, after Samuel Sharpe's public execution parliament immediately started on ways to emancipate the system. Then in 1832, slavery was abolished in England(23).
Although America separated themselves from Britain many years ago, they could not help but see their actions. With many countries emancipating slavery including much of South America and most European nations(24), England's decision put the U.S. in the uncomfortable position of being in the minority.
Another effect was that the rebellion struck fear into American slave holders who saw the chaos of the widespread rebellion and feared their slaves would do the same.
This is just another occurrence in 1831 that created the catalyst for a stronger abolition movement in the future, increasing tension and pressure on the United States. Leading to our own Abolition
The Baptist War began after Christmas in 1831. The revolt lasted ten days and was led by Samuel Sharpe, a slave who organized the rebellion. The rebellion began as a peaceful protest initiated when slaves refused to work until receiving compensation for their work. (21)Unfortunately, slaveholders refused to pay the slaves and the rebellion began. Nearly 60,000 slaves were involved in the rebellion and nearly 200 plantations attacked. After millions of dollars of property were destroyed, the British troops finally regained order squashing the rebellion, but fear of the event stuck in the hearts of the slaveholders and in England.(22)
The Effects:
The Baptist War had many effects. Although it was not successful for the slaves of Jamaica at the time, the revolt struck fear into the heart of Britain. Thus, after Samuel Sharpe's public execution parliament immediately started on ways to emancipate the system. Then in 1832, slavery was abolished in England(23).
Although America separated themselves from Britain many years ago, they could not help but see their actions. With many countries emancipating slavery including much of South America and most European nations(24), England's decision put the U.S. in the uncomfortable position of being in the minority.
Another effect was that the rebellion struck fear into American slave holders who saw the chaos of the widespread rebellion and feared their slaves would do the same.
This is just another occurrence in 1831 that created the catalyst for a stronger abolition movement in the future, increasing tension and pressure on the United States. Leading to our own Abolition