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Nat TurnerPreacher, leader of the only significant uprising of black slaves in the United States.
Date of Birth: 02.10.1800
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Nat Turner
Nat Turner, born on October 2, 1800, was a preacher and the leader of the only significant slave rebellion in the United States. He gained fame as an African-American slave who led a bloody uprising against slave owners in 1831, which ultimately resulted in his arrest and subsequent execution. In 2002, Turner was named one of the Hundred Great African-Americans.
Early Life
Nat Turner, whose full name was Nathaniel Turner, was born into slavery and registered under the surname of his owner, Samuel Turner. He spent his childhood in Southampton County, Virginia, where there were more enslaved African-Americans than white people. Turner learned to read and write at an early age and was known for his intelligence and quick thinking. He grew up as a deeply religious individual and spent most of his time in prayer and reading religious literature, especially the Bible. Turner frequently had visions, many of which he interpreted as personal messages from God.
Religious Leader and Prophet
When Turner turned 23 years old, he received a vision that prompted him to escape from his owner. However, he eventually returned, believing it was God's will. Turner became an exceptional preacher, regularly initiating those around him into religious mysteries and explaining obscure teachings. He became known as "The Prophet."
The Rebellion
In early 1828, Turner had a new vision that revealed his destiny to lead a slave rebellion against the oppression of slaveholders. In February 1831, Turner interpreted changes in the weather as a call to begin the uprising and started preparing for the revolt. On February 12, 1831, a solar eclipse occurred in Virginia, which Turner saw as another sign.
The rebellion was initially planned for July 2, but it was postponed and rescheduled for later dates. On August 13, another celestial disturbance, which Turner referred to as a "sign from heaven," marked the beginning of the rebellion. The uprising started on August 21, 1831. The rebels stormed into the homes of white people, killing anyone in their path. They freed enslaved individuals and moved forward. The insurgents showed no mercy, even killing women and children, using knives and axes to massacre entire families. In total, more than sixty white people were killed during the rebellion. Turner spared some individuals, particularly those who were light-skinned and impoverished.
The Aftermath
Nat Turner's rebellion was suppressed within 48 hours. The leader attempted to escape but was captured on October 30 and subsequently hanged on November 11, 1831. His body was beheaded and quartered. Additionally, two hundred enslaved African-Americans, even those not involved in the uprising, were brutally beaten and mutilated by an enraged white mob.
