Atlantic History in 15 Slave Revolts

A history of slavery, resistance and abolition in the Atlantic world through 15 case studies of collective revolts for freedom, led by the enslaved themselves.

From capture in Africa, in chains on slave ships and then imprisonment on the plantations of the Atlantic world, resistance from enslaved Africans was ever-present, but this resistance took many forms. Only rarely, and in certain circumstances, were collective revolts for freedom even attempted, let alone successful. This book explores 15 inspiring slave revolts and rebellious action across the Atlantic World, from the early 16th century up to the American Civil War.

Examining the key causes and events of each case, Atlantic History in 15 Slave Revolts analyses what we know about the courageous men, women and children who took part and explores what they were fighting for. Discussing how the nature, strategies and tactics of slave revolts evolved as the Atlantic slave system also changed, it highlights the Haitian Revolution of 1791-1804 as a key turning point, showing that freedom was not a ‘gift’ given from above, but to be won through struggle from below. This book also explores how Atlantic slave revolts have been remembered and represented through memorialisation and film, showing how this rich legacy of collective resistance and revolt has inspired later generations of campaigners fighting colonialism and racism.