Denmark Vesey Part 3 of 3

We've learned about Denmark Vesey's background & history that lead to his alleged slave rebellion. Lets dive into why some argue his innocence...

         This was a time in history when the French Revolution had ended in 1789 and lead to a new concept of human rights, citizenship, and participation in government (Ott, 1973). Also, the Haitian rebellion, which ended in 1803. I imagine this caused some people to stand on their toes; being the only slave rebellion that actually ended slavery for the whole nation. Speculation about whether Denmark Vesey’s slave rebellion was a real slave conspiracy or an example of white panic is still debated today.

Let’s take a look at this concept:

          This theory is backed up by the William and Mary Quarterly, the oldest historical journal in the United States. The journal does recognize the testimony of the slaves who were hung, which included their confessions in regards to the Vesey slave revolt. However, the journal presents the interesting thought that all the testimonies were coerced. This was either done through beatings or threat of being executed, and therefore, none of it should be considered trustworthy (Johnson, 2001). There were 131 African-Americans charged, but only 35 hung? Could this be because some were given the choice to testify falsely against the other men on trial and live, or refuse to testify falsely and die?

          Also, much like today, when things are hidden from the public eye suspension rises. The trial was held in secret and the public and press were banded from attendance (Johnson, 2001). Why band the public? Could this be because it truly was not a fair trial and they did not want it to get out to the press, making the government look bad? Furthermore, this could have been the government’s way of showing power over African- Americans in a time when they were starting to fight for their rights in other places around the world. It could have been their way of keeping slaves in check and playing off of white panic to install fear in slave’s hearts.

Now that you’ve learned about Denmark Vesey’s biography, his alleged slave revolt, and two opposing sides on this conspiracy, which do you believe?

-Savannah

For previous blogs on Denmark Vesey visit: http://hi360conspiracy.blogspot.com/2018/02/denmark-vesey.html and http://hi360conspiracy.blogspot.com/2018/02/denmark-vesey-part-2-of-3.html

Work Cited

 Johnson, M. (2001). Denmark Vesey and His Co-Conspirators. William and Mary Quarterly.

Ott, Thomas (1973). The Haitian Revolution 1789-1804 (Knoxville, Tennessee:University of Tennessee); retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3p2990.html.