The Rationality Behind Nat Turner's Rebellion

On August 13th, 1831 Nat Turner, an African American slave, brought about an insurrection against white families in Virginia. This revolt was very ruthless and indiscriminate in its slaughtering of entire white families and is considered the most successful slave rebellion of the old south. While Nat Turner had very personal reasons for the acts he committed, we can figure out the core reasons for slave resistance, by looking at the major principles of slave culture. Specifically, two major aspects of slave culture that gave slaves, including Nat Turner, reasons to rebel are the principles of religion and the family. By exploring these topics, the rationality behind Nat Turner’s rebellion becomes easier to understand.
In the early 1800s, African-American culture was a mix of western and African tribal culture. Aspects of both can be seen in their adaptations on Christianity and family values. Because of this, the root of slave resistance begins …show more content…
According to The Confessions of Nat Turner, “I had the same revelation, which fully confirmed I me that I was ordained for some great purpose in the hands of the almighty.” With knowing this Turner began to plan his rebellion against slavery. This relates to the slave Christian concepts of deliverance from slavery, but instead of feeling that he would randomly be delivered from it, he envisioned himself as a Moses figure. He would rescue his people from oppression and lead them into Jerusalem, through any means possible. When Turner returned to his plantation, after running away the first time, he may have given up on his plans. The spirit told him to obey his master, and he got married and had children. He wouldn’t want to put them at risk. However, when slavery took that away from him, he had nothing else to lose, putting his insurrection into motion. By examining Nat Turner we can learn more about the importance of religion and family to the everyday