Causes
What major rumor encouraged enslaved people to rebel?
They believed that Britain had already granted freedom.
What is another name for the rebellion?
The Bussa Rebellion
In what year did the rebellion take place?
1816
What was mainly destroyed during the rebellion?
Cane fields and plantation buildings
Did slavery end right after the rebellion?
No.
Which British law ended the slave trade but not slavery in 1807?
The Slave Trade Act
What position did Bussa hold on the plantation?
Ranger
On what religious holiday did the rebellion begin?
Easter Sunday
Approximately how many plantations were affected?
About 15- 20
What legal measure was enforced after the rebellion to control the colony?
Martial Law
Name one harsh condition enslaved people faced on plantations
Long hours, little to no food, beatings/ whippings
Which female leader helped spread news about freedom?
Nanny Grigg
At which plantation did the rebellion begin?
Bayley's Plantation
How long did the rebellion last?
Days - April 14th - 17th
Why did the colonial government choose public executions after the rebellion?
To intimidate the enslaved population and discourage other uprisings.
How did the Haitian Revolution influence Barbados?
It showed enslaved people that successful resistance was possible.
How did Bussa's position as a ranger help the rebellion succeed in its early stages?
His role allowed hum to move between plantations and communicate plans without suspicion.
In which parish did the rebellion start?
St. Phillip
Which colonial authority declared martial law and powers did it give the government?
The Governor, representing British colonial authority, declared martial law. It suspended normal civil law and gave the military power to arrest, try, and execute rebels.
What year was slavery abolished in British colonies?
1834.
Explain why rumors of freedom were powerful enough to cause rebellion.
Enslaved people believed planters were illegally withholding their rights, which created a sense of urgency and anger.
What does the execution of rebel leaders reveal about the fears of the planter class?
It shows that they feared organized leadership and wanted to eliminate influential figures to prevent future revolts.
Name two other parishes affected by the rebellion.
Christ Church, St. Micheal, St. George, St. John, St. Thomas
Why did the rebellion fail militarily?
Rebels were poorly armed and faced skilled militia and troops.
Why can the Barbados rebellion be considered historically significant even though it failed militarily?
It exposed instability of slavery, increased fear in planters and was a part of the wider movement towards Emancipation.