The program begins with Vesey discussing the condition of slavery with an acquaintance who is a slave. Later, at a meeting, details of a plot are worked out with co-conspirators. Some are concerned and dismayed that the plot calls for the annihilation of the white population. At a chance meeting between two slaves, William, also a co-conspirator, informs Devany of the plot and asks him to participate. Devany is reticent and visits his friend, Pensel, a free Negro, and asks for his advice. Pinsel advises Devany to steer clear of the conspiracy and to inform his master, Colonel Prioleau, about what he knows. Devany does so and in turn the authorities are informed.
While some initial questions turned up no proof, the conspiracy begins to fall apart. Efforts by Vesey to execute the plan sooner, prove to be unsuccessful and the rebellion was squelched. Arrests and trials result in Vesey and 35 others being hanged. The impact of the plot was that a real fear of slave uprisings engulfed the people of Charleston. This had an effect on lives for years to come. In addition, it gave encouragement to future uprisings elsewhere such as the famed Nat Turner rebellion in Virginia in 1837.
The program begins with Vesey discussing the condition of slavery with an acquaintance who is a slave. Later, at a meeting, details of a plot are worked out with co-conspirators. Some are concerned and dismayed that the plot calls for the annihilation of the white population. At a chance meeting between two slaves, William, also a co-conspirator, informs Devany of the plot and asks him to participate. Devany is reticent and visits his friend, Pensel, a free Negro, and asks for his advice. Pinsel advises Devany to steer clear of the conspiracy and to inform his master, Colonel Prioleau, about what he knows. Devany does so and in turn the authorities are informed.
While some initial questions turned up no proof, the conspiracy begins to fall apart. Efforts by Vesey to execute the plan sooner, prove to be unsuccessful and the rebellion was squelched. Arrests and trials result in Vesey and 35 others being hanged. The impact of the plot was that a real fear of slave uprisings engulfed the people of Charleston. This had an effect on lives for years to come. In addition, it gave encouragement to future uprisings elsewhere such as the famed Nat Turner rebellion in Virginia in 1837.
Standards
- 4.3.CX Contextualize South Carolina’s role in the development of sectionalism during the antebellum period.
- 4.4.CO Compare the economic and political causes of the Civil War.
- 8.3.CO Compare the debates between South Carolina and the federal government regarding slavery, federalism, and the Constitution.
- This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the debates, heightened by Westward Expansion, over federal and state power concerning slavery, and the government's role in protecting and securing natural rights.
- 8.3.CC Analyze debates and efforts to recognize the natural rights of marginalized groups during the period of expansion and sectionalism.
- This indicator was designed to encourage inquiry into the continuities and changes of the experiences of marginalized groups such as African Americans, Native Americans and women, as the U.S. expanded westward and grappled with the development of new states.
- USHC.2.CO Compare the economic, political, and social, development of the antebellum North and South from 1803–1860 using a comparative analysis.
Resources
Battle of King's Mountain | Palmetto Heritage
In this program, Lord Cornwallis has ordered Major Patrick Ferguson, a Scotsman, to form the Loyalists into a strong royal militia. In late September 1780, Ferguson took up post near present day...
View AssetBrooks-Sumner Affair | Palmetto Heritage
In 1857 during the heated debate on Kansas in the Senate, Charles Sumner delivered a two-day speech entitled "The Crime Against Kansas," which contained an insulting denunciation of Senator Andrew...
View AssetBurning of Columbia | Palmetto Heritage
This reenactment is based on excerpts from Emma LeConte’s diary. Emma, then seventeen years old, kept a diary for several months in 1865 chronicling the approach, occupation and burning of the city of...
View AssetCharlesfort | Palmetto Heritage
In this story, in the year 1562, Jacques and Rouffi have sailed to the new world on an expedition to establish a colony for French Protestants (Huguenots). The Huguenot colony was settled on what is...
View AssetCharleston Tea Party | Palmetto Heritage
Following the Tea Act of 1773 many colonial citizens refused to pay the duty and boycotted British tea. This video portrays actions taken by some citizens of Charleston in November and December, 1774...
View AssetCherokees | Palmetto Heritage
The story of the Cherokees is told through scenes from "lJnto These Hills" the outdoor drama in Cherokee, North Carolina that depicts the story of the Cherokees. The video centers around an Indian...
View AssetJohn C. Calhoun | Palmetto Heritage
It is the summer of 1829 and Vice-President Calhoun is spending the Congressional recess at his home near Pendleton, South Carolina. His youngest daughter, Cornelia is helping her father with his...
View AssetLegend of Isaqueena | Palmetto Heritage
The Legend of Isaqueena blends fact with fantasy. An Indian trade based out of Ninety Six in the early 1750's grew to become the largest business operating outside of Charleston. Alan assisted with...
View AssetPickens, Marion, Sumter, Part 1 | Palmetto Heritage
Hosts Ellen Rodillo-Fowler and Nathan Dawson guide viewers through this edition of Palmetto Heritage, which spotlights three significant South Carolina figures: Thomas Sumter (The Fighting Gamecock)...
View AssetPickens, Marion, Sumter, Part 2 | Palmetto Heritage
While the British tangled with Andrew Pickens in South Carolina’s upstate, Francis Marion’s patriots fought the British in the Pee Dee region. Marion was known as “The Swamp Fox” due to his effective...
View AssetPickens, Marion, Sumter, Part 3 | Palmetto Heritage
Thomas Sumter was determined to drive the British out from South Carolina. “The Fighting Gamecock” earned his moniker due to his tenacity in battle. A band of British assassins attempted to sneak into...
View AssetReconstruction | Palmetto Heritage
This show explains the importance of the election of 1876 and as a result how SC at one time had 2 governors from different political parties, who tried to rule the state at the same time...
View AssetSecession, Part 1 | Palmetto Heritage
The story begins in 1858 in South Carolina. William Taylor's cousin Allen is visiting from Connecticut. Secession "fever" is rapidly engulfing the state. The scene shifts to West Point where the...
View AssetSecession, Part 2 | Palmetto Heritage
Back in South Carolina in December 1860 for a short Christmas break, Allen finds the Secession convention in session at the First Baptist Church in Columbia. He then accompanies his father, who is a...
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