Slave revolts, perhaps more than any other anti-slavery activity during the first half of the 1800s, dramatized the growing tension between those who supported slavery and those who were against slavery. Leaders of the slave revolts, in many instances, justified their actions by asserting that they were ordained by God to lead their people to freedom. Some used the Bible as a weapon in their struggle for freedom. Others drew inspiration from traditional African religious ideas and practices. This theme of religion and resistance can be seen in the revolts of Nat Turner and Denmark Vesey.
1. Briefly discuss the revolts of Nat Turner and Denmark Vesey.
2. What role did religion play in these revolts?
