Nat Turner's Rebellion

Nat Turner's Rebellion

Author: History Hit April 6, 2026 Duration: 41:00

In 1831, a rebellion erupted in Virginia that sent shockwaves across the United States, and challenged the brutal system of slavery in a way that white slave-owners had long feared. Led by an enslaved man named Nat Turner, he and his followers carried out one of the most significant slave rebellions in American history.


To help us in the retelling of this event, we’re lucky to be joined by Dr. Vanessa Holden of the University of Kentucky, where she is the Associate Professor of History of African American & Africana Studies and serves as Director of the Central Kentucky Slavery Initiative. Her work includes the award winning ‘Surviving Southampton: African American Women and Resistance in Nat Turner’s Community.’


Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.


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Dive into the stories that shaped a nation with American History Hit. Hosted by Don Wildman, this podcast from History Hit moves beyond textbook dates to explore the pivotal moments and forgotten figures that define the American experience. Each episode is a journey, whether it's into the tense world of wartime codebreakers intercepting Japanese plans or the complex political landscape where figures like Walt Disney leveled serious accusations. You'll encounter the perspectives of leaders like Chief Powhatan on the eve of conflict and dig into the layered past of landmarks like Central Park. The narrative stretches from pre-colonial times through the forming of the modern United States, connecting historical dots to contemporary understanding. By focusing on specific, often surprising events, this series provides a grounded and compelling look at how the past actively informs the present. Tune in for a thoughtful and detailed exploration of history, where every story adds depth to the ongoing American story.
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