Historical Perspectives on African Enslavement

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Questions and Answers

What did the bold Londoner envision for the future of the blacks in the southern colonies?

A peaceful integration into society

Permanent enslavement under colonial powers

A rebellion against tyranny (correct)

Complete assimilation into the settlers' culture

What was a key reason for needing more Africans in London according to the passage?

To ensure a stable workforce in the colonies

To strengthen the economy of the colonies

To satisfy growing abolitionist sentiments

To compete effectively with the Catholic powers (correct)

What concern arose from arming Africans to maintain slavery?

The risk of sharing military secrets

The financial burden it would impose on settlers

The potential for widespread revolt (correct)

The lack of loyalty from the enslaved individuals

What historical conflicts highlighted the need for a change in strategy regarding African enslavement?

The Maroon Wars in Jamaica (A) Signup and view all the answers

What argument had Virginians made about the status of a mainland slave in London?

Enslaved status remained unchanged despite their location (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event in June 1772 was comparable to July 1776 in terms of its impact on British North America?

Somerset's Case (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons slaveholders felt uncomfortable in London?

The disapproval of their treatment of enslaved Africans (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did the abolitionist Granville Sharp criticize the colonists for?

Normalizing the brutality of slavery (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the outcome of Somerset's Case affect the self-assertion of the enslaved individuals?

It increased their self-assertion. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What reaction did Benjamin Franklin have towards Granville Sharp's criticism of colonists?

He retaliated vigorously. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Somerset's case affect the feelings of slaveholders in Britain?

It increased their insecurity regarding slavery. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the broader social impact of the increasing antipathy towards slavery in the British Isles?

A surge in support for enslaved individuals and abolitionists. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did the colonists' normalization of slavery involve comparing it to?

Other forms of property, like livestock. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was indicative of the changing times regarding slavery in London before 1776?

The clandestine movement of slaves into the city. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did Lord Dunmore publically declare he would do unless the colonists halted their unrest?

Grant freedom to his slaves and others who came to him. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Dunmore claim he made gunpowder less accessible?

To prevent slaves from seizing it. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Lord Dunmore's actions in 1775 have on the settlers?

They increased the settlers' anger and fury. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the legal status of slavery being contested in London?

An increase in the number of enslaved individuals arriving. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What were the settlers apprehensive about, according to Lord Dunmore?

The potential for slave insurrections. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What legislative action did Lord Dunmore refuse in June 1775?

A bill for paying militia with a duty on slaves. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the reactions of the settlers towards Dunmore's policies?

Fury and uncontrollable anger. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred in 1774 involving two slaves?

They murdered their masters, who were loyalists. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did some settlers begin to view the revolt against British rule as?

A strategy for independence and survival. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the planter class react to Lord Mansfield's decision?

They expressed explosive anger fearing the loss of slaveholding. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What concern did some settlers express regarding the potential results of legal changes affecting slavery?

That it would create individuals with mixed heritage. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Granville Sharp's belief regarding the number of Africans in the isles?

He estimated it to be higher than the official figures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What concern did William Bradford express regarding the Africans during the conflict between settlers and London?

That they might perceive the conflict as a struggle for their own freedom. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What rationale did the condemned Thomas Jeremiah provide for his actions?

He was encouraging slaves to rebel against their masters. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the decision by settlers to halt exports to British territories influence their political economy?

It made settlers more dependent on local slave labor. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Janet Schaw note regarding the Crown's intentions towards rebelling settlers?

The Crown offered pardons to those seeking reconciliation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What societal perception did the 'Black Scare' create among settlers?

A fear that a united front of Africans and British would challenge them. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the plantation master's decision regarding clothing for slaves?

It led to a higher dependency on enslaved labor for production. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Somerset's decision regarding abolition have on settlers?

It heightened expectations of rebellion from enslaved people. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which group initially allied with London during the conflict?

Slave pilots essential for navigation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event is suggested to have influenced the fears of Georgians in 1775?

Skirmish in Boston (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did settlers in South Carolina believe about the ship bringing their royal governor?

It carried arms intended for African insurrection (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the arrival of African rebels influence the perception among the colonists?

It intensified fears of a widespread insurrection (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a likely consequence of the anxiety experienced by settlers as 1776 approached?

Erratic decision-making and retribution against perceived threats (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the origins of the anti-colonial sentiments during this period?

Paranoia regarding enslaved Africans contributed to escalating tensions (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions did Lord Dunmore take that further complicated the colonial response?

Issued a proclamation granting freedom to enslaved Africans (B) Signup and view all the answers

What misconception did some colonists have about Africans during the unrest?

They believed Africans needed British support to rebel (D) Signup and view all the answers

What personal situation added complexity to Lord Dunmore’s position during this turmoil?

His spouse fleeing to London after being detained (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Counter-Revolution of 1776

The book examines slave resistance and its role in the founding of the United States.
The book highlights the connections between 1772 (Somerset Case) and 1776 (American Revolution)
The book argues that slave resistance was a significant factor in the American Revolution.
The book explores the discomfort of slaveholders in London regarding the disapproval of their brutal practices and the slower-than-desired retrieval of runaways.
Benjamin Franklin responded to criticisms about colonial slavery.
The book discusses the implications of the Somerset case for the enslaved and slaveholders in the Americas.
The book examines the complexities of the colonial relationship with England, including economic and social factors

Abolition in London

The Somerset case of 1772 was pivotal in the development of abolitionist sentiment in London and, subsequently, in the Americas.
The case had implication beyond England, prompting insecurity among slaveholders in the colonies.
The case triggered a similar increase in the self-assertion of the enslaved, with many seeking to escape to England.
The case highlighted inconsistencies in the colonial practice of slavery vis-à-vis growing British abolitionist sentiment.
Fear of slave insurrections was a major concern for slaveholders.
The concern about the potential for African resistance grew among colonists.
Newspaper articles and pamphlets widely debated the implications of the court ruling, further influencing colonial communities in the Americas.

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Description

Explore key questions on the vision for African Americans in the southern colonies and the reasoning behind the demand for more Africans in London. This quiz delves into the conflicts and arguments surrounding the status of enslaved individuals. Test your understanding of the historical context and implications of slavery.