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The atrocities sent shockwaves throughout the nation and deepened the divide over slavery. Defenders of the institution blamed "Yankee" influence and what they believed was the violent character of black people. Antislavery factions argued that this revolt demonstrated the corruptive effects of slavery and refuted masters' claims of the "contented" slave.
Debate
Turner's revolt also prompted Virginia's General Assembly to debate the fate of slavery in its 1831-1832 session. Legislators considered proposals for abolition, but ultimately decided to maintain slavery. They also passed new restrictions on black Virginians, including requiring black congregations to be supervised by a white minister and making it illegal to teach black people to read.
This was the last time a government of a slave state considered ending slavery until the Civil War. |