Resistance Methods

Definition

Resistance methods refer to various strategies employed by enslaved people to resist their enslavement. These included murdering owners, destroying machinery/property, escaping or committing suicide.

Analogy

Imagine being trapped in an unfair game where all odds are stacked against you. You might try different tactics to level the playing field - maybe you'd mess with your opponent's equipment (like destroying machinery), sneak out when they're not looking (escaping), or even refuse to play altogether (suicide). That's what these resistance methods were like for enslaved people - desperate attempts at gaining some control over their own lives.

Related terms

Underground Railroad: A network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans seeking freedom in Northern states or Canada during the 19th century.

Slave Rebellions: Organized uprisings by slaves against their masters aiming at gaining freedom.

Passive Resistance: Non-violent methods used by slaves to resist their masters, such as work slowdowns, feigning illness, or breaking tools.