On the night of the 7th of November, 1841, a mutiny broke out on board the American brig *Creole*, which was transporting enslaved people from Richmond, Virginia, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Madison Washington, who was the leader of the mutineers, and others, took possession of the vessel, killed one passenger, and wounded several of the crew. The mutineers then ordered the mate to steer the vessel for Nassau in the British Bahamas, where slavery had been abolished. Madison Washington declared he would have his liberty and that of his companions, and would die before he would surrender.
Based on the excerpt, which of the following assertions about maritime resistance by enslaved people is best supported?
- AThe Creole mutiny represented the first successful slave rebellion that resulted in the legal prohibition of the transatlantic slave trade.
- BMaritime resistance was typically impulsive and limited to individual acts of self-destruction rather than organized collective actions.
- Captives utilized strategic coordination and knowledge of geopolitical jurisdictions to actively secure their legal emancipation.Answer
- DShipboard rebellions were rare because captives prioritized covert preservation of African cultural traditions over direct confrontation.
Answer
Captives utilized strategic coordination and knowledge of geopolitical jurisdictions to actively secure their legal emancipation.
The correct answer is supported by the fact that the captives did not just rebel aimlessly; they strategically navigated the vessel to a British territory (Nassau) where slavery had already been abolished, demonstrating an understanding of international geopolitical boundaries and legal jurisdictions to secure their freedom.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Shipboard Rebellions and Middle Passage Resistance
Estimated Time:2m 0s