Fires of Jubilee- Nat Turner's Fierce Rebellion
Amber Laughlin
Professor T. Rioux
February 18, 2013
Fires of Jubilee Exam
Nat’s Rebellion
August 21, 1861 proved to be a day of sorrow, pain and lessons learned. The Fires of Jubilee is a historical account of the events that led to the bloodiest slave rebellion in southern history. Nat Turner is painted as a fairly intelligent and prophetic slave who believed he was chosen to free his people from their slave bondage. Nat’s rebellion last almost two whole days before being halted by militia men from the state of North Carolina, leaving upwards of 50 whites murdered in the aftermath. Although it took some time to fully accomplish, the rebellion of Nat Turner ultimately led to the freeing of the slaves some years later. The history of the south and slaves was forever changed by the events of the rebellion. Nat Turner’s name will forever be a symbol of black terror and violet retribution and at the same time, a legendary black hero.
In the Old South, it was understood that Christianity was not only used to save heathen souls, but also to keep the slaves suppressed and kept them from striking back against their masters.(Page 14) Southern white slave owners would pick and choose only certain bible lessons for the slaves to be shown. The owners felt that by restricting the knowledge of the slaves, they would be able to keep them inhibited. Words of the bible were twisted to mean different things to the slave population. Slaves were told that if they did not obey their masters and perform their allotted tasks that God would burn them in the flames of an eternal hell. To be good children of God the slaves were to accept their lot, be meek and faithful, patient and submissive, even if their masters were cruel. Slaves were taught to leave it to God to punish. And if they behaved great would be their reward in heaven. (Page 14)
Nat Turner was a very special slave. From a very young age it was obvious that Nat was intelligent and others around him knew it.
Professor T. Rioux
February 18, 2013
Fires of Jubilee Exam
Nat’s Rebellion
August 21, 1861 proved to be a day of sorrow, pain and lessons learned. The Fires of Jubilee is a historical account of the events that led to the bloodiest slave rebellion in southern history. Nat Turner is painted as a fairly intelligent and prophetic slave who believed he was chosen to free his people from their slave bondage. Nat’s rebellion last almost two whole days before being halted by militia men from the state of North Carolina, leaving upwards of 50 whites murdered in the aftermath. Although it took some time to fully accomplish, the rebellion of Nat Turner ultimately led to the freeing of the slaves some years later. The history of the south and slaves was forever changed by the events of the rebellion. Nat Turner’s name will forever be a symbol of black terror and violet retribution and at the same time, a legendary black hero.
In the Old South, it was understood that Christianity was not only used to save heathen souls, but also to keep the slaves suppressed and kept them from striking back against their masters.(Page 14) Southern white slave owners would pick and choose only certain bible lessons for the slaves to be shown. The owners felt that by restricting the knowledge of the slaves, they would be able to keep them inhibited. Words of the bible were twisted to mean different things to the slave population. Slaves were told that if they did not obey their masters and perform their allotted tasks that God would burn them in the flames of an eternal hell. To be good children of God the slaves were to accept their lot, be meek and faithful, patient and submissive, even if their masters were cruel. Slaves were taught to leave it to God to punish. And if they behaved great would be their reward in heaven. (Page 14)
Nat Turner was a very special slave. From a very young age it was obvious that Nat was intelligent and others around him knew it.