Nat Turner's Rebellion Overview

Nat Turner's 1831 slave rebellion in Virginia shocked the nation, pushing the South's slave policing to its limits. Turner, an enslaved preacher, believed he was chosen by God to avenge slavery's sins. He secretly enlisted other slaves, and on August 21, 1831, they launched a major rebellion, killing many whites. The local militia failed to stop them, leading to a larger military response. The rebellion was quashed within a week, but Turner evaded capture until October 31. The rebellion heightened fears among whites but did not end slavery, as economic interests prevailed. The event underscored the brutal realities of slavery and the lengths to which slaveholders would go to maintain their system.

What was Nat Turner's role in the 1831 rebellion?

• A British spy

• A government official

• An enslaved preacher

• A local militia leader

How did Turner and his followers plan their uprising?

• By openly recruiting in towns

• By broadcasting on local radio

• Through secret meetings

• By sending letters to other plantations

What was the initial reaction of the local authorities to the rebellion?

• They immediately captured Turner

• They negotiated with Turner

• They called out the militia

• They ignored the rebellion

What role did the U.S. government play in suppressing the rebellion?

• They encouraged the rebellion

• They remained neutral

• They supported the rebels

• They provided military support

How long did it take to squash the rebellion?

• One month

• One week

• One day

• One year

Who captured Nat Turner?

• A local militia

• A slave catcher

• A farmer by accident

• A British soldier

What was the fate of Nat Turner after his capture?

• He escaped

• He was tried and executed

• He was exiled

• He was pardoned

What was the impact of the rebellion on the institution of slavery?

• It caused a civil war

• It had no impact

• It strengthened the resolve to maintain slavery

• It led to the immediate abolition of slavery

Why did slaveholders refuse to abolish slavery despite the rebellion?

• They feared economic loss

• They were pressured by the British

• They lacked political power

• They wanted to avoid war

What continued to fuel the Southern economy after the rebellion?

• Free labor from slaves

• Industrialization

• Tourism

• Foreign investments