A number of slave rebellions took place throughout several regions of Brazil in the 17th century, but the rebellion I would like to highlight is the 1814 slave rebellion in Bahia. Although unsuccessful, Landers and Robinson highlight this slave rebellion in "Slaves, Subjects, and Subversives" as highly important for several reasons.
The ability to be able to revolt came from the ability to establish Quilombos, or communities of runaway slaves, which may have also included free blacks, whites, and Indians. The slaves believed that organization and plotting could safely occur in these communities that existed away from the larger cities and plantations.
Landers and Robinson discuss other forms of slave organization in Bahia, which included dance meetings called "batuques" and religious candomble gatherings. The authorities of Bahia sought to close down or destroy these institutions which brought slaves together and gave them a sense of community. Additionally, these organizations had been a meeting place for slaves to plan revolts, such as the revolt in 1814.
To briefly summarize the slave revolt of 1814, a group of rebels attacked a few plantations and fishing villages, killing several white leaders. After the police were sent out to control the revolt, 58 slaves and 14 officials were left dead. Although considered a failed attempt, this revolt, along with a series of other revolts in Bahia led to the deaths of many white officials.
Punishments for the slaves included public hangings and deportation to Africa. The rebellions in Bahia demonstrated the importance of the Quilombos and other institutions which facilitated the organization of black slaves as well as indigenous slaves. The sense of community allowed these Brazilian slaves to stay connected and fight for their freedom.
Historical map of Brazil
"New Chart of Brazil of Portuguese America, year 1821"
