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Today in History: Danish West Indies faces historic slave insurrection

11/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On November 23, 1733, enslaved Africans in the Danish West Indies initiated a significant insurrection on St. John. Led by Breffu, the revolt involved around 150 Akwamu slaves who aimed to seize control of the island's plantations. This uprising marked one of the earliest and longest slave revolts in the Americas, lasting until August 1734.

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Story summary

On November 23, 1733, enslaved Africans in the Danish West Indies initiated a significant insurrection on St. John. Led by Breffu, the revolt involved around 150 Akwamu slaves who aimed to seize control of the island's plantations. This uprising marked one of the earliest and longest slave revolts in the Americas, lasting until August 1734.