Virginian Slave Rebellion... Again
August 1831
The Rebellion
Nat Turner was a slave to a humble master in Southampton County, Virginia. Turner had no complaints towards his master, other than his enslaved condition. Turner was a very religious man, faithful in his eventual freedom. Turner had "religious visions" claiming that Judgement Day was coming soon. He called for the slaughter of all whites, including men and children. He soon realized that he would have to fight for his freedom, gathered 40 other slaves and massacred 55 white men and masters on August 21st. They stole clubs, guns, and other weapons from their masters to carry out the rebellion. Eventually reported to the white man, the rebellion was shut down. The remaining slaves involved were gathered up and executed, including Nat Turner.
The Aftermath
The rebellion was unexpected, completely surprising the whites. It gave a sense of rallying among the slave community and the abolitionist movement. Nat Turner's Rebellion was the deadliest slave revolt before the Civil War. It increased slave restrictions, and harsh treatment of the slaves, including tag collars and violence.