What significant event is associated with Nat Turner?

Nat Turner is most notably associated with a major slave rebellion that took place in Virginia in August 1831. This uprising, known as Nat Turner's Rebellion, was significant not only because of its scale but also because it highlighted the intense resistance of enslaved individuals against the institution of slavery. Turner, an enslaved man himself, claimed to have received visions from God that inspired him to lead a violent revolt. Over the course of about two days, Turner and his followers killed around 60 white individuals before the rebellion was suppressed, leading to severe repercussions for both the rebels and the broader enslaved community.

This event intensified the national debate over slavery and further polarized Northern and Southern sentiments, ultimately playing a role in the lead-up to the Civil War. It also prompted white slaveholders to tighten controls over enslaved people and led to an increase in the harshness of slave codes, as whites became fearful of further slave uprisings. Nat Turner became a complex figure, celebrated by some as a martyr for the abolitionist cause while condemned by others as a violent insurgent. The rebellion's impact was significant in shaping the future discourse around slavery in America.