The Barbados revolt(April 14-17 1816)

A short introduction It had become the norm for enslaved African to resist slavery the moment that they were captured and took. Forms of resistance include: speaking their native language in private performing African rituals like drumming appearing to accept Christianity, but secretly practice their religion running away poisoning their masters pretending to be sick in order not to work damaging tools or machineryMany Africans also showed their resistance through rebellion. The most successfulrebellion took place in Haiti in 1791. Here the enslaved population drove out the Frenchand British and set up the first black republic. This rebellion became an inspiration to blacks living in other West Indian plantations fight for their freedom.

Causes In the small island of Barbados, ruled by British powers, the year 1816 saw the outbreak of a slave revolt. Reasons or causes for this revolt include: slaves wanted their freedom and were determined to achieve so the parliament bill in 1815, introduced by William Wilberforce, required the names and description of all salves residing on West Indian plantation, including Barbados, in order to prevent smuggling of slaves following the abolishment of the slave trade. This bill was wildly misunderstood because the slaves thought that they were to be granted their freedom. When freedom was not granted, slaves revolted. There were a few slaves who were able to read newsletters and newspapers, from which they learnt what was happening in England, Haiti and elsewhere. They were inspired by the positive outcome of the Haitian revolution to fight for their rights The harsh and inhumane treatment of slaves by whites was also a contributing factor to the slave uprising.

Organization During the Easter vacation when the governor was off the island and planters were away from plantation, the slaves planned the rebellion and decided that they would take over the island They planned to disrupt crop time by burning cane fields, turning the mills into the wind and leaving them to fly unattended Plans were also made to have guerilla groups meet and harass the militia that they expected to come after them. It was expected that the planters would suffer great financial losses Bells were rung to announce that slaves on successful plantations had joined the revoltThe revolt started on April 14, 1816 in the parish of St. Philip on Bayleys plantation.

Suppression The revolt was short-lived. As soon as news of the revolt reached Bridgetown on the morning of Easter Monday, the following measures were taken by the militia: Troops were mobilized and they marched to the parishes and began to round up the rebels Slaves caught off their estates were murdered on the spot. One hundred and seventy six slaves were killed by the troops that were sent against them. Many other slaves were sentenced to death and returned to their owners plantation where the execution was carried out Two hundred and fourteen slaves were hanged and their heads were placed on poles and left at the spot of execution to serve as a warning to other slaves Several slaves were deported to British Honduras and later sent to Sierra Leone Leaders of the revolt were executed

Consequences There were many consequences of the 1816 Barbados revolt both for slaves and plantation owners. Some of which are listed below: The whites turned against the missionaries in the island, chapels were damaged and missionaries were threatened. This was because whites thought that the missionaries helped the slaves plan and carry out the revolt The slaves were defeated and many of them lost their lives There was a reduction in the size of the labour force There was widespread destruction of property including one fifth of the sugar crop Humanitarians were encouraged to increase their activity to bring down the slavery in response to the planters harsh treatment towards the missionaries

Role of GenderAs with many revolts, males dominated. A male slave named Bussa was the leader of the Barbados revolt. He held a high position on his masters plantation as a head ranger and he held the respect of other slave rebels and was therefore eligible to lead the revolt. Although the revolt was not a success Bussa was a very prominent leader among the slaves.