M4 Discussion 11: Slave Resistance and the Second Seminole War

Overview

The purpose of this discussion is to apply the knowledge you’ve gained regarding the operation of the cotton kingdom and the forms of resistance employed by those enslaved within the “kingdom”.

For this discussion, review your readings for Unit 11.  Afterward, watch the film clip embedded above about the Seminole Wars and slave resistance and rebellion.  Feel free to do research outside the course if you’d like other points of view.

Scenario: Enslaved African Americans have spirited themselves away to safe spaces, out of the reach of authorities and their masters to Florida for over a century.  African Americans enslaved by the British long knew they could gain their freedom by running away to La Florida.  It was common for them to take refuge with the Seminoles or live in maroon communities in the upper portions of the state.  Their presence, along with and among the Seminoles, were a threat to the plans the federal government had when it acquired Florida from the Spanish in 1819.  This led to the Second Seminole Wars and the eventual relocation of many of them to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).   Your team will take one of the following roles:

1. A free African American abolitionist
2. An African American enslaved by the Seminole
3. John Horse, an African American leader in Florida during the Seminole Wars

Answer the following questions.  Be sure to bring in evidence you have found about race relations in America and the institution of slavery between 1830 and 1850 :

• What federal or state laws endangered African American freedom in the Indian Territory?
• What reasons were given for recognizing African American freedom in the Indian Territory?
• Why would John Horse and the Black Seminoles leave the Indian Territory for Mexico, and why would Mexico welcome them?

Both teams: Write a 1 paragraph summary where you answer the following:

• Why is this story an important part of the story of the slave resistance in American history?
• Why is this story not more well known in Florida history?
• What similarities exist between the African American experience and the Native American experience?
• What are the implications of having the story of John Horse and the Black Seminoles told in Florida history books?