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Difficulty: MediumShipboard Rebellions and Middle Passage Resistance

A 1721 report published in the *Boston News-Letter* described a rebellion aboard the British slave ship *Robert* near the West African coast:

'A captive woman on board, who was not in irons, secretly carried a hammer and other tools to the men below deck. Before the crew could react, the captives had freed themselves from their chains, forced their way onto the deck, and engaged the crew in an effort to seize control of the vessel.'

Based on this account, which of the following historical conclusions about Middle Passage resistance is best supported?

  1. Captives utilized strategic coordination, including cooperation between chained and unchained individuals, to execute organized revolts.Answer
  2. B
    Rebellions were largely spontaneous outbursts that lacked internal planning or gender-integrated cooperation.
  3. C
    Violent resistance was rare because captives preferred covert methods like hunger strikes to avoid physical confrontation.
  4. D
    Maritime revolts were generally planned and directed by land-based maroon networks established along the trade routes.

Answer

Captives utilized strategic coordination, including cooperation between chained and unchained individuals, to execute organized revolts.
The correct option is supported by the details of the account, which describe a collaborative effort where an unchained female captive acted as a link to transport tools to the male captives confined below, enabling a coordinated physical uprising.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary source excerpt for evidence of planning and participation.
The text shows that an unchained woman brought tools (a hammer) to the chained men, showing planning and gendered cooperation.
To determine what conclusions can be drawn about Middle Passage resistance.
2
Evaluate the choices to see which one aligns with the evidence of gender-integrated coordination.
The statement about strategic coordination and cooperation between chained and unchained individuals directly matches the action of the woman helping the chained men.
To identify the correct response based on historical evidence.

Key Concept

Middle Passage Resistance and Captive Agency
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Shipboard Rebellions and Middle Passage Resistance

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