Denmark Vesey’s failed revolt in 1822 could have been the largest insurrection of enslaved people against their enslavers in United States history.
Vesey, (also known as Telemaque, c. 1767–July 2, 1822) was a free Black man and community leader in Charleston, South Carolina, who was accused and convicted of planning a major slave revolt in 1822. Although the alleged plot was discovered before it could be realized, its potential scale stoked the fears of antebellum oligarchs that led to increased restrictions on both enslaved and free African Americans.
Vesey’s plan was large in scale, and after two enslaved men opposed to Vesey’s scheme leaked the plot, Charleston officials charged 131 men with conspiracy. In total, 67 men were convicted and 35 hanged, including Denmark Vesey.
The latest episode of the Ben Franklin’s World podcast explores Vesey’s revolt and the different ways he used the Bible and biblical texts to justify his actions and the violence they would have wrought.
You can listen to the podcast here.
Ben Franklin’s World is an award-winning podcast. It’s for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our world. Each episode features an interview with a historian who shares their unique insights into our early American past. It is a production of Colonial Williamsburg Innovation Studios.
For a full list of New York Almanack podcasts announcements click HERE.
Photo: Monument to Denmark Vesey in Hampton Park, Charleston, South Carolina.
Source link
