Samba rebellion facts for kids

The Samba rebellion was a plan for a slave rebellion in 1731. It was described by a French historian named Antoine-Simon Le Page du Pratz. This event was supposed to happen in French Louisiana.

The plan was led by an enslaved man named Samba Bambara. He was from the Bambara people in West Africa. The historian Le Page du Pratz wrote about these events in his book Histoire de la Louisiane. However, there are no other official documents that fully confirm his story. It seems it was more of a secret plan than an actual rebellion that took place.

Who Was Samba Bambara?

Samba was born in Africa. Reports say he tried to resist being enslaved many times. This included during his journey to Louisiana.

Le Page du Pratz also wrote that Samba worked for the French. He was an interpreter, helping people understand each other. He also worked as an overseer for other enslaved people.

The Secret Plan of 1731

The rebellion was planned for June 1731. But the secret plan was discovered by the French authorities. This happened after an argument between an enslaved woman and a French soldier.

Le Page du Pratz said he helped arrest the people involved in the plan. Samba refused to share any information, even when questioned very strictly. But eight other enslaved people admitted to being part of the plan.

The people accused were punished in public. This happened in New Orleans at a place called Place d'Armes, now Jackson Square. The governor, Étienne Perier, gave the orders for this.

Later Questions About the Story

In 1936, a magazine called The Crisis published an article. It claimed that Samba planned to harm all white people. It also said he wanted to keep non-Bambara Africans enslaved.

Later studies have looked closer at the details of this rebellion. They have questioned if Samba was really part of earlier uprisings. They also wondered if the Bambara people were as united as the old reports suggested.