What seems to be happening in this image? Library of Congress http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/colonial/jb_colonial_stono_2_e.html

“A fanatic preacher by the name of Nat Turner, who had been taught to read and write, and permitted to go about preaching in the country, was at the bottom of this infernal brigandage [violence committed by a group of outlaws]. He was artful, impudent and vindictive, without any cause or provocation, that could be assigned…He and another slave…were two of the leaders. Three or four others were first concerned and most active.-- They had 15 others to join them. And by importunity [insistent demands] or threats they prevailed upon about 20 others to cooperate in the scheme of massacre... They were mounted to the number of 40 or 50; and with knives and axes-knocking on the head, or cutting the throats of their victims. They had few firearms among them.... But as they went from house to house, they drank ardent spirits-and it is supposed, that in consequence of their being intoxicated,-or from mere fatigue, they paused in their murderous career about 12 o'clock on Monday.” (Richmond Enquirer , August 30, 1831)

THREE ALABAMA SLAVE LAWS WHICH WENT INTO EFFECT IN 1833 “Any person or persons who shall attempt to teach any free person of color, or slave, to spell, read or write, shall, upon conviction thereof by indictment, be fined in a sum not less than two hundred and fifty dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars.” “It shall not be lawful for more than five male slaves, either with or without passes, to assemble together at any place off the proper plantation to which they belong; and if any slaves do so assemble together, the same shall be deemed an unlawful assembly.” “If any slave or free person of color shall preach to, exhort [urge in an effective way], or harangue [lecture] any slave or slaves…unless in the presence of five respectable slave-holders, shall, on conviction…receive…thirty-nine lashes for the first offence, and fifty lashes for every offence thereafter…” QUESTION: 1. What direct connections do these three Alabama slave laws have with Nat Turner’s rebellion? (Explain the connections.)

What information does our textbooks offer about Nat Turner’s rebellion? PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3h502.html

Prior to the Civil War, every slave state had its own slave codes (laws) that regulated slaves, freed slaves and free persons of color (the terms “freed slaves” and “free persons of color” are somewhat interchangeable). These codes, however, changed over time, becoming more numerous and more restrictive, particularly after any instances of slave resistance. Because so many whites were killed during Nat Turner’s Revolt in 1831, slave owners all across the South were terrified. Many states, including Alabama, responded to it by strengthening their slave codes and adding laws which addressed specific features of the uprising.

Slave codes demonstrate the racism and cruelty of the slave period Slave codes demonstrate the racism and cruelty of the slave period. But they also show that slaves and free blacks were capable of independent action. Without intending it, Alabama’s slave codes testify to the ability of slaves to assert their own humanity and to challenge the system of chattel slavery in large and small ways. BECAUSE some slaves learned how to read and write, southern states made it illegal for whites to teach them those skills. BECAUSE some slaves revolted, southern states made it illegal for them to gather in unsupervised groups. Slave laws actually prove that slaves were capable of doing all sorts of things which no other kind of “property” could possibly do. These codes demonstrate the humanity of the slaves as well as the inhumanity of the slave system.

You’ll be analyzing the Alabama slave codes that went into effect in 1833. And you’ll be looking at what those laws tell us about the behavior of slaves, freed slaves (free persons of color), behaviors white law-makers were seeking to control. Write these two essential questions on a sheet of paper before you begin reading the codes. (We’ll discuss possible answers to these questions AFTER you’ve completed group work that involves reading some of the laws and completing a simple factual chart about them.) What human capabilities and/or desires did slaves, freed slaves, and free persons of color exhibit through their behavior that prompted white Alabama lawmakers to pass these codes? (Be prepared to cite certain laws and explain how they support your conclusions.) Based on the severity of the punishments involved, identify four significant fears you believe white lawmakers had about any or all of the following: the slave system itself, slaves, freed slaves, free persons of color or even certain white people. How would you explain those fears?