Vessey Conspiracy, Essay Example

Denmark Vessey, born 1767, is one of history’s least recognized inspirational figures against the institution of slavery of all time. The Vessey conspiracy had its beginnings in 1791. In Charleston, South Carolina, Denmark received word that a great slave uprising and rebellion had taken place in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) and the slaves had successfully taken control of the colony. By this time, Denmark had acquired his freedom, wealth, respectability in the community, and had become a minister. In fact, the church gave Denmark the first platform to motivate and sow the seeds of rebellion to his congregation through his sermons. After the closure of his church four years after opening, Denmark continued his antislavery messages through quoting bible verses to support antislavery, reading aloud antislavery pamphlets, traveling to plantations, and even debating whites in front of large slave audiences. The Denmark Vessey rebellion picked up support and in 1822, a brazen rebellion for liberation was carefully and secretly planned. The plan for battle against the whites was to be led by four lieutenants, Ned and Rolla Bennett (the governor slaves), Peter Poyas (a ship’s carpenter), and Gullah Jack (thought to be bulletproof by the community). The uprising was planned for midnight on July 14, 1822 and was thought to have about nine thousand participants. The details of the battle included blocking bridges, seizing guardhouses, and killing whites. Because so many slaves were involved, the plan was leaked to one of the slave owners and the information was turned over to the authorities. In response to this betrayal, Denmark tried moving the rebellion’s date to mid-June but this new date was also leaked to the authorities. Denmark Vessey had no choice but to burn all the information relating to the rebellion and to escape. However, he was captured and put on trial.

After a lengthy trial and testimonies of six slaves against Denmark Vessey, he was found guilty along with thirty others, and was hanged on July 2, 1822. The death of Vessey made him a martyr. However, the Vessey Conspiracy had significance on future actions concerning slavery. First of all, the Vessey Conspiracy trials resulted in harsher laws and worse treatment toward the slaves. Secondly, the Vessey Conspiracy shed light on the state of unhappiness and torment by the slaves. Until the Vessey Conspiracy, slave owners had claimed that slaves were happy and content in being slaves, but it was far from the truth. Lastly, during the civil war, it was Denmark Vessey’s name that served as motivation to continue fighting for slave liberation and ultimately, to win the war. “Remember Denmark Vessey of South Carolina” became a battle cry against the Confederate.

South’s Final Break (Confederacy)

 The southern states mostly consisted of farms and plantations. The owners relied on slave labor to maintain and farm the land. Southerners feared that Republicans wanted to prevent the spread of slavery and cause the southern states to lose political power in the nation’s capital. The Republicans were abolitionists who wanted to abolish slavery, and with the election of President Lincoln, in 1860 the southern states began to draw closer to each other and farther from the northern states. On December 20, 1860 South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union. It was followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. On February 8, 1861, the representatives announced that they were the Confederate States of America.

Two Events Forty Years Apart

The significance of the relationship between the shooting in the church cofounded by Vessey and the call for the removal of the Confederate flag is that they both represent that there is still a need for racial harmony, equality, and tolerance. In a way, the church itself represents the opposite of what the Confederate flag stands for. The church cofounded by Vessey was used as a gathering place to initialize the rebellion against slavery and inequality. The Confederate flag was meant to represent states that wanted to keep slavery as a lawful practice. By shooting in such a significant church, the shooter was trying to diminish or take away the importance and meaning of the church and its role in the fight against antislavery.

Debates in the Video

In can be debated whether a person can be a white supremacists but still promote the message of peace and nonviolence. It can be debated whether or not whites are being mistreated in today’s society. It can also be debated whether or not the Confederate flag represents oppression. It can be debated whether or not colleges should allow these kinds of organizations on campus.

References

Christian Broadcast Network. (2015). Denmark Vessey (1767-1822). Web. Retrieved from http://www1.cbn.com/blackhistory/denmark-vesey-%09-%281767-1822%29

Eicher, D. J. (2008). Confederacy. Web. Retrieved from http://www.historynet.com/confederacy