What were the most significant slave rebellions in British America?

The most significant slave rebellions in British America were the Stono Rebellion and the New York Slave Revolt.

The Stono Rebellion, which took place in 1739 in South Carolina, was one of the largest slave uprisings in the British mainland colonies. On 9th September, a group of about 20 slaves led by a man named Jemmy, raided a store, armed themselves and marched south towards Spanish Florida, a well-known refuge for escaped slaves. Along the way, they burned houses and killed white settlers, their numbers swelling to approximately 100. The rebellion was suppressed by the local militia, but not before causing significant alarm amongst the white population. The rebellion led to the passing of the Negro Act of 1740, which restricted slave assembly, education and movement.

The New York Slave Revolt of 1712 was another significant rebellion. It was a violent uprising in New York City, where 23 enslaved Africans killed nine white colonists. The revolt was triggered by oppressive conditions and the harsh treatment of slaves. The rebellion was quickly suppressed, but it led to a severe backlash, with heavy penalties for black people, including public execution and more restrictive laws governing the behaviour of slaves.

Both rebellions were significant as they highlighted the inherent instability of a society based on slavery. They demonstrated the willingness of enslaved people to resist their condition, often at great personal risk. These rebellions also led to increased repression and control over slaves, as the white population sought to prevent further uprisings. The Stono Rebellion and the New York Slave Revolt were not isolated incidents, but part of a broader pattern of resistance to slavery in British America. They were significant in shaping the attitudes and policies towards slavery in the colonies, and in highlighting the brutal realities of the slave system.