Resistance and Revolts in the United States
Ryan Lee
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers resistance and rebellion by enslaved people, focusing on daily resistance (slowdowns, sabotage, theft, escape), its impact on the abolition movement, and the role of churches. It also examines organized revolts (German Coast Uprising, Creole Mutiny, Nat Turner's Rebellion, Denmark Vesey's planned rebellion), highlighting African military influence and religious motivations. Finally, it analyzes a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Rufus King, exploring slaveholder anxieties about resistance. Key terms include daily acts of defiance, key uprisings, and Jefferson's Letter.
#AP African American Studies: Resistance & Rebellion Study Guide 🚀
Hey! Let's get you prepped for the AP exam with a super-focused review. We're diving into how enslaved people resisted and fought for freedom. Let's make sure you're not just memorizing, but understanding this crucial part of history. Ready? Let's go!
#Daily Resistance & Community Building
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Everyday Acts of Defiance
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Enslaved people didn't just accept their fate. They actively fought back through daily resistance:
- Slowdowns: Working at a snail's pace 🐌 to disrupt production.
- Sabotage: Damaging tools and equipment 🛠️ to hinder operations.
- Theft: Taking food and other resources 🍎 as a form of reclamation.
- Escape: Running away to seek freedom and autonomy 🏃🏾♀️.
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These acts were not just about survival; they were about maintaining dignity and humanity in the face of oppression.
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Impact on the Abolition Movement
- These daily acts kept the spirit of resistance alive 🔥, fueling the larger fight against slavery.
- They showed the agency and determination of enslaved people, challenging the dehumanizing narratives of slavery.
- Abolitionists were inspired by this resilience, which strengthened their resolve.
#Churches: More Than Just a Place of Worship
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Churches were vital multi-functional spaces for enslaved communities:
- Sanctuary: A safe space for gathering and support 🫂.
- Information Hub: Sharing news, including updates about the abolitionist movement 📰.
- Political Organizing: Especially in the North, they served as centers for planning resistance ✊🏾.
- Cultural Preservation: Celebrating traditions, mourning losses, and maintaining community 🎶.
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Churches were crucial in nurturing and sustaining resistance on a daily basis.
Practice Question
Multiple Choice:
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Which of the following was NOT a common form of daily resistance used by enslaved people? a) Slowing work pace b) Damaging tools c) Publicly debating slaveholders d) Stealing food
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What role did churches play in the lives of enslaved people? a) Primarily a place for religious worship b) A place for community gathering, political organizing, and information sharing c) A place to display loyalty to slaveholders d) A place to learn how to read and write
Short Answer:
Briefly explain how daily acts of resistance ...
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