Punitions
Publiques, Brazil, c. 1854.
Punitions Publiques, Brazil, c. 1854.
Lithograph by Moritz Rugendas, courtesy of Schomburg Center, Art
and Artifacts Division.
Resistance to slavery began on the slave ships and continued during the plantation era. It took many forms-rebellions, running away, physical attacks on masters or oversees, burning plantations and public property, and refusing to work. Offenders who were caught were punished severely-usually by another slave- in the presence of other slaves, to discourage them from similar kinds of behavior. This strategy was only partially successful, for slaves found new ways of resisting.