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The Stono Rebellion and Fort Mose

Zoe Green

Zoe Green

8 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers Spanish Florida as a refuge for enslaved Africans escaping British colonies, focusing on the role of Catholicism and freedom. It examines Fort Mose, the first free Black town in the US, and the Stono Rebellion, highlighting its connection to Spanish Florida's policies. The guide also analyzes primary source documents, including a letter from the Florida Governor and an account of the Stono Rebellion, and provides practice questions and exam tips covering key topics, question types, and effective strategies for the AP exam.

AP African American Studies: Spanish Florida & Resistance - Your Ultimate Review 🚀

Hey there! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll break down everything you need to know about Spanish Florida, its impact on enslaved people, and the resistance it inspired. Let's do this!

1. Spanish Florida: A Beacon of Freedom

Key Concept

Spanish Florida wasn't just another colony; it was a game-changer for enslaved Africans in British territories. Its policy of offering freedom to those who converted to Catholicism created a powerful incentive for escape and resistance.

  • 17th Century: Enslaved people from Georgia and the Carolinas began seeking asylum in St. Augustine.
  • Catholicism: Conversion was key to gaining freedom in Spanish Florida.
  • Safe Haven: It became a refuge for those fleeing enslavement, offering a chance at a new life.
Memory Aid

Think of Spanish Florida as the 'Underground Railroad' of the 1700s, but instead of heading north, people went south for freedom. 🧭

Map of Spanish Florida

Caption: A map showing the extent of Spanish Florida, highlighting its strategic location and its role as a refuge for escaped slaves.

2. Fort Mose: The First Free Black Town

  • Establishment: Founded in 1738 by the governor of Spanish Florida.
  • Leadership: Led by Francisco Menéndez, a formerly enslaved Senegambian who fought against the English.
  • First of its Kind: The first sanctioned free Black town in what is now the United States. 🏘️
  • Safe Haven: Provided a place for formerly enslaved individuals to live freely and practice Catholicism.
Quick Fact

Fort Mose wasn't just a settlement; it was a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of resistance. 💪

Fort Mose

Caption: A reconstruction of Fort Mose, illustrating the community's structure and its significance as a free Black settlement.

3. The Stono Rebellion: Inspired by Freedom <a id="stono-rebe...

Question 1 of 12

🎉 What was the main reason enslaved people sought refuge in Spanish Florida?

Economic opportunities

Religious freedom and escape from enslavement

Political alliances

Access to better healthcare