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6 April 1712: New York enslaved uprising
About this Episode
On this day, 6 April 1712, a major rebellion of enslaved people in North America took place in New York City.
The enslaved people set fire to a building on Maiden Lane, near Broadway and, as the colonists tried to put out the blaze, the rebels attacked them with guns, hatchets and swords, killing nine and injuring six. They then made their escape to the north, which was as yet undeveloped.
Militia and armed colonists then went on the hunt for the rebels. Six rebels died by suicide to avoid capture, and 40 put on trial. 18 were acquitted and others pardoned, but the remainder were brutally executed. Some were crushed to death, others were burned alive, some were hanged and others starved to death.
In the wake of the revolt, stricter laws were established to try to discourage future rebellions, including restrictions on direct communication between enslaved people, a ban on their possessing firearms, and harsher punishments.
Learn more about slavery and rebellions against it in this book: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/books/products/a-history-of-pan-african-revolt-c-l-r-james
Our work is only possible because of support from you, our listeners on patreon. If you appreciate our work, please join us and access exclusive content and benefits at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.
The enslaved people set fire to a building on Maiden Lane, near Broadway and, as the colonists tried to put out the blaze, the rebels attacked them with guns, hatchets and swords, killing nine and injuring six. They then made their escape to the north, which was as yet undeveloped.
Militia and armed colonists then went on the hunt for the rebels. Six rebels died by suicide to avoid capture, and 40 put on trial. 18 were acquitted and others pardoned, but the remainder were brutally executed. Some were crushed to death, others were burned alive, some were hanged and others starved to death.
In the wake of the revolt, stricter laws were established to try to discourage future rebellions, including restrictions on direct communication between enslaved people, a ban on their possessing firearms, and harsher punishments.
Learn more about slavery and rebellions against it in this book: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/books/products/a-history-of-pan-african-revolt-c-l-r-james
Our work is only possible because of support from you, our listeners on patreon. If you appreciate our work, please join us and access exclusive content and benefits at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.
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