History on Trial
A Star-Spangled Speech Trial
Mar 7, 2024
Delve into the tense climate of 1835 Washington D.C. with Francis Scott Key and the trial of Reuben Crandall for distributing anti-slavery pamphlets. Explore the aftermath of Nat Turner's rebellion, the Snow Riot, and the clash between free speech and existing laws. Uncover the friendship between Key and Roger Taney, and the provocative legacy of the Dred Scott decision.
51:01
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Quick takeaways
- Francis Scott Key's role in prosecuting Reuben Crandall highlighted fears of insurrection post-Nat Turner's rebellion.
- Crandall's acquittal emphasized the complexity of free speech and legal tensions in antebellum USA.
Deep dives
Nat Turner's Rebellion in 1831
In August 1831, Nat Turner led a rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, where enslaved and free black individuals fought for their freedom. Over two nights, Turner and his followers went from plantation to plantation, freeing enslaved people and killing their masters. The scale and violence of this rebellion shocked the United States and resulted in severe repercussions against black communities.
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