Revolt, rebellion and revolution in the African diaspora

Woman holding abolition placard

Slavery Remembrance Day 2007 events
© Simon Webb Photography

Throughout the history of transatlantic slavery there were many rebellions. Some of the most significant were:

  • 1730 - 1740: First Maroon Wars, Jamaica. Slaves and indigenous people joined together to fight the British. Eventually Britain was forced to sign a peace treaty.
  • 1791 - 1804: Revolution in St Domingo. It was led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, also known as 'the Black General'. The English, Spanish and French armies were defeated. The revolution created the first independent black republic. Slavery Remembrance Day today marks the anniversary of this uprising.
  • 1861 - 1865 American Civil War. Slaves were allowed to fight in the war against the Confederate States. The entry of black soldiers guaranteed victory for the North.

Find out more about the history of the transatlantic slave trade|.