Stono Rebellion in South Carolina

Definition

The Stono Rebellion was a slave revolt that occurred in 1739 in the colony of South Carolina. It was the largest slave uprising in the British mainland colonies, with 25 white people and 35 to 50 black people killed.

Analogy

Think of the Stono Rebellion as a pressure cooker that's been on high heat for too long. The slaves were under constant pressure (oppression), and eventually, they exploded (rebelled) against their masters.

Related terms

Negro Act of 1740: This was a response by South Carolina's government to the Stono Rebellion. It restricted slave assembly, education, and movement.

Slave Codes: These were laws passed by Southern states that controlled and restricted enslaved people.

Maroon Communities: These were independent communities formed by escaped slaves in remote areas such as swamps or mountains.