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Witness History: Jamaica Slave Rebellion

27/12/2010 GMT

Jamaica Slave Rebellion

BBC World Service - Witness History, Jamaica Slave Rebellion

The rebellion was brutally crushed, but it had a significant impact

The Baptist War was led by Samuel Sharpe in 1831. Though the rebellion was brutally crushed, it had a significant impact on the anti-slavery movement.

*** Contains descriptions that some listeners may find upsetting *** 

Enslaved Africans are forced to work in sugar cane fields - the hours are long and there are frequent, brutal punishments. They have endured these conditions for 200 years. 

By 1831 the anti-slavery movement is gathering pace and the slaves decide to take action - by going on strike. 

Samuel Sharpe became a Jamaican national hero as he led the island's slaves in a rebellion against the overseers and sugar plantation owners.

The rebellion was brutally crushed, but over time, the rebellion had a significant impact - and two years later in 1833 the Slavery Abolition Act is passed. 

Picture: Making sugar in Jamaica, Credit: HultonArchive/Illustrated London News/Getty Images

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