Nat Turner Rebellion Essay

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Nathaniel Turner was a hero and an inspiration for other abolitionists. He was one of the first people to fight for freedom from slavery and he gave slaves a chance to see freedom because of his rebellion. In 1831, Nat Turner led a group of slaves and killed 55 whites, believing that he was “intended for some great purpose.” The attack was unsuccessful and resulted in the death of 200 African slaves, stricter slave codes, and Turner’s execution. However, this revolt paved the way for the ending of slavery. “Nat Turner’s US History” states, “Nat Turner, being a very intelligent man that he was, opened the eyes of the Africans and exclaimed the abominable actions that the Whites were bringing upon them, were unfair and immoral. He preached to …show more content…

“Nat Turner: An Emblem of Freedom,” by Arthur Ashe Learning Center says, “Turner believed that he was chosen by God to bring about Judgement Day and lead his people to freedom, and decided, based upon an eclipse of the sun, that it was time for slaves to fight back. Before the rebellion on August 21 transpired, Turner said, “I heard a loud noise in the heavens, and the Spirit instantly appeared to me and said the Serpent was loosened, and Christ had laid down the yoke he had borne for the sins of men, and that I should take it on and fight against the Serpent, for the time was fast approaching when the first should be last and the last should be first.” This shows that Turner’s purpose was to be able to free his people and fight back against slaveholders. Turner freed slaves as he and other slaves went, and up to 75 additional slaves joined the rebellion as it continued through eleven different plantations over the next few days. “According to Henry Highland Garnet’s speech, “An Address To The Slaves Of The United States,” which was held 12 years after the revolt, Nat Turner, “was driven to desperation by the wrong and injustice of slavery.” This shows that his actions were out of desperation for