---
title: "Nat Turner's Rebellion — APUSH Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Nat Turner's Rebellion (1831) was the deadliest slave uprising in U.S. history, triggering harsher slave codes and hardening the South's defense of slavery."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/apush/key-terms/nat-turners-rebellion"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP US History"
---

# Nat Turner's Rebellion — APUSH Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Nat Turner’s Rebellion was a significant slave uprising that took place in Virginia in August 1831, led by enslaved African American Nat Turner. This rebellion was rooted in the widespread dissatisfaction with the brutal conditions of slavery and was a response to the oppressive system that sought to control African Americans. The uprising resulted in the deaths of around 60 white individuals and led to severe retaliatory measures by slave owners, which intensified the fear of rebellion among Southern states and ultimately influenced the conversation about slavery and abolition in America.

## Related Study Guides

- [4.12 African Americans in the Early Republic](/apush/unit-4/african-americans-early-republic/study-guide/7xeQjlCwTvWKuWJNS9VY)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Slave Codes](/apush/key-terms/slave-codes): Laws enacted in Southern states that defined the status of slaves and the rights of masters, designed to reinforce the institution of slavery and prevent uprisings.
- [Abolitionism](/apush/key-terms/abolitionism): The movement aimed at ending slavery and promoting equal rights for African Americans, gaining momentum in the early to mid-19th century as a response to the horrors of slavery.
- [Underground Railroad](/apush/key-terms/underground-railroad): A secret network that helped enslaved people escape to free states and Canada, symbolizing resistance against the institution of slavery and aiding those seeking freedom.

### Key Facts

- Nat Turner's Rebellion is often cited as one of the most significant slave uprisings in American history due to its scale and impact on Southern society.
- Turner claimed he received visions from God, which he interpreted as a divine call to lead his people to freedom through violent means.
- In the aftermath of the rebellion, more than 100 African Americans were executed or killed in retaliation, reflecting the deep-seated fears of slaveholders.
- The rebellion intensified the debate over slavery, leading to stricter slave codes and a stronger commitment among Southern whites to defend the institution of slavery.
- Turner's actions inspired other enslaved people and abolitionists, further fueling the movement against slavery and highlighting the moral issues surrounding it.

### How did Nat Turner's Rebellion influence perceptions of slavery among both enslaved individuals and white Southerners?

Nat Turner's Rebellion significantly influenced perceptions of slavery by instilling fear among white Southerners regarding potential uprisings. It made slaveholders more determined to maintain strict control over enslaved populations through harsher laws, known as Slave Codes. For enslaved individuals, Turner's actions inspired hope and a sense of agency, showing that resistance was possible, which encouraged others to consider their own forms of rebellion or escape.

### Discuss how Nat Turner's Rebellion contributed to the growth of the abolitionist movement in the United States.

Nat Turner's Rebellion heightened awareness about the brutality of slavery and galvanized abolitionists who used it as a rallying point for their cause. The violence of the rebellion and its aftermath sparked discussions about moral and ethical implications surrounding slavery, pushing more people towards anti-slavery sentiments. As a result, abolitionist literature became more prevalent, and organizations advocating for freedom gained momentum, emphasizing the urgent need for change.

### Evaluate the long-term consequences of Nat Turner’s Rebellion on Southern society and its legal framework regarding slavery.

The long-term consequences of Nat Turner’s Rebellion were profound, leading to an entrenched system of oppression within Southern society. In response to the uprising, Southern states enacted stricter Slave Codes that further limited freedoms for enslaved people and enhanced penalties for rebellion or resistance. This not only created a more oppressive environment for African Americans but also solidified pro-slavery sentiments among white Southerners. Ultimately, this escalating fear and repression contributed significantly to growing sectional tensions in America, setting the stage for future conflicts over slavery.