On 5 November 1811 enslaved people in Saint-Leu, in the then-British colony of Bourbon island (now the French colony, Réunion), rose up in rebellion.
Enslaved Africans, Madagascans and Creoles working in the land, and as domestic workers and manufacturing, armed themselves with spears, axes and two stolen guns, and began deserting their workplaces. The rebels did not pillage or burn enslavers' property, or physically attack anyone. But eventually armed landowners assembled paramilitary forces, including "loyal" enslaved people, and with their superior weaponry, defeated the rebel forces in an open confrontation, killing several dozen and capturing 150 people.
Despite the peaceful nature of the revolt, 15 of those captured were publicly beheaded in March 1812. In response to this, numerous enslaved people began escaping from their plantations.
Réunion reverted to French rule in 1814, and slavery was eventually abolished in 1848.
Saint-Leu enslaved revolt - WCH | Stories
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