History That Doesn't Suck 20: "A Wolf by the Ears": Gabriel Rebels and Cotton Becomes King
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Jul 23, 2018 In this enlightening discussion, Gabriel, a literate enslaved blacksmith and leader of a rebellion in Virginia, shares his quest for freedom amidst a changing landscape of slavery. He delves into his efforts to rally fellow slaves to seize Richmond and create a society of equality. The conversation also touches on Eli Whitney's cotton gin, which drastically escalates slavery in the South, and the emerged moral complexities and economic shifts that fueled both rebellion and resistance among enslaved individuals.
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Gabriel's Rebellion
- Gabriel, a literate, 6'3" blacksmith, planned a slave revolt in Virginia.
- He aimed to capture Governor Monroe and demand an end to slavery.
Lower South and Slavery
- The Lower South's hot, wet climate favored rice cultivation, leading to a reliance on slave labor.
- This dependence made them fiercely protective of slavery, as seen in their stance at the Philly Convention.
Task System in the Lower South
- Malaria-ridden rice plantations in the Lower South led to shorter lifespans for those of Northern European descent.
- The task system, assigning specific daily tasks to slaves, emerged as a management strategy.