Forms of resistance

Resistance

African resistance began from the time of captivity in Africa, on the ship crossing the

Atlantic and continues on the plantations in the Caribbean. This resistance took several

forms: insurrectionary and non-insurrectionary.

Insurrectionary

Armed attack

Revolts, or insurrections, were more common among newly arrived Africans, who were

very impatient with enslavement. Some revolts were spontaneous and were sparked by

an immediate event or perception of injustice. Others were planned, some over

extensive periods of time. Examples of planned uprisings were the revolts in Berbice

(1763), Haiti (1791), Barbados (1816), Demerara (1823) and Jamaica (1831).

Marronage

The first Maroons were enslaved Africans who escaped from the Spanish in Hispaniola

and Cuba, and from French and Dutch plantations in the Guianas. The term comes from

the Spanish term for an escapee, cimarron. The Maroons grew into large communities

while the plantation system was still fully established in the Caribbean.
Arson

Canefrields and estate buildings were prime targets for rebellious enslaved men and

women. This strategy brought significant losses to plantation owners. Recognizing their

vulnerability to arson, slave laws specified punishments for destruction of plantation

property, and if caught, rebels were usually hanged. Nevertheless, in many revolts

estate buildings were destroyed and canefields set on fire.

Non-insurrectionary resistance

Go-slow or malingering

Workers played up to the prejudices of the planters and pretended to be stupid or not

understand instructions. This enabled them to delay, be careless and be slow in

production.

Feigned sickness

Workers would avoid work by pretending to be ill or prolonging the symptoms of an

illness.

Sabotage and poisoning

Incidents of sabotage were most often used when planters were in high alert, making

open rebellion difficult. Estate machinery, tools, animals, buildings and canefields were
targeted. Sometimes animals were maimed or let loose to damage the young cane

plants. Enslaved domestics used their knowledge of plants to slow poison planters, add

itchy plants to clothing and linen or over-starch clothes to make them uncomfortable.

Some enslaved African men and women engaged in individual resistance strategies

that were not always visible. These included resistance by idleness, deliberate

carelessness, running away, pretending to be ill, pretending not to understand, mocking

planters (especially in song) and working within the system.

Working within the system

Some enslaved men and women chose to use opportunities to work against the system

while still working within it. Ways of doing this included using their earning power as

jobbing slaves, on the provision grounds or as market vendors to accumulate funds,

which would then be used to purchase freedom for themselves or their children, to

purchase animals or luxury goods, or save for the future. Others collaborated with

planters and would reveal plots or risk their lives to save planters and their families, in

the hope of being rewarded with freedom. Enslaved men and women also protested

against injustice.

Female resistance
Some women used their relationship with planters to maximize benefit for themselves

and their offspring. Some would extend the breastfeeding period for as long as possible

or take advantage of their monthly periods to escape work. Mothers resorted to abortion

or infanticide to prevent their offspring entering enslavement.

The role of women as market vendors was important as it enabled them to pass

messages between different communities. They were important links in the resistance

network.

Questions

1. Give five reasons why enslaved men and women resisted enslavement.

2. Describe five resistance strategies used by enslaved men and women.

Homework

1. Assess the success of any three methods of resistance.