History Topic
Active and Passive Resistance by Enslaved People
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Study focus - 3 things
- Enslaved people resisted slavery in both active and passive ways
- Active resistance included rebellion, running away, and attacking property
- Passive resistance included working slowly, pretending illness, breaking tools, and preserving culture
Section 1Resistance means opposition
Resistance was any action enslaved people used to oppose slavery. It showed that enslaved people were not passive victims. They fought for dignity, family, culture, and freedom in many ways.
Section 2Active resistance
Active resistance was direct and open opposition. Examples include rebellions, running away, fighting back, poisoning, burning fields, or damaging plantation property. These actions were dangerous because punishments were severe.
Section 3Passive resistance
Passive resistance was quieter and less obvious. Examples include working slowly, pretending to be sick, misunderstanding instructions on purpose, breaking tools, stealing food, or keeping African traditions alive. These acts weakened slavery from inside daily life.
Section 4Slave protests
Slave protests could include strikes, riots, revolts, and organised refusal to obey. Some were large and violent, while others were smaller and local. Every form of protest showed rejection of the slave system.
Examples
An enslaved worker deliberately works slowly and pretends not to understand instructions. What type of resistance is this?
This is passive resistance because it is indirect opposition that disrupts plantation work without open fighting.
A group of enslaved people burn cane fields and run away to the hills. What type of resistance is this?
This is active resistance because it is direct action against slavery and plantation property.
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