,
5 tweets,
1 min read
Read on Twitter
On this day in 1835: Slaves stage what is, perhaps, the most significant slave rebellion in Brazil: the Malê Revolt. Muslims were called "malê" in Bahia at that time.
It was a rebellion of racial character, against slavery and the imposition of the Catholic religion.
It was a rebellion of racial character, against slavery and the imposition of the Catholic religion.
In January 1835 a group of about 1,500 slaves led by Manuel Calafate, Aprígio, Father Inacio, among others, set up a conspiracy to free their fellow Muslims and kill people they considered traitors.
On January 23, Sabina da Cruz, an ex-slave, learned about the plans and informed the local authorities. The local police then reinforced the palace guard, alerted the barracks, doubled the night patrol, and ordered boats to watch the bay.
When the fight broke out, it was a bloodshed. Several people were injured and two African slaves were killed. The rebels proceeded and decided to attack the local jail, in an attempt to free a Muslim leader. However, the prison guards proved too much for them.
Several other violent acts continued to occur, resulting in the deaths of 70 slaves and 7 soldiers. 200 people were arrested and sentenced. Some were beaten, others were killed or sent back to Africa.
