Gabriel's rebellion: question 1 options: was doomed to fail because the african-american population of richmond was so small. demonstrated that the slaves were as aware of the idea of liberty as anyone else. inspired virginia to adopt a gradual emancipation law in 1803. failed partly because its leaders were plantation slaves, who had less contact with the outside world and were unaware of how little support they enjoyed. prompted several states to pass laws requiring slaves to be educated about the constitution and the importance of obeying the law.

Answer: demonstrated that the slaves were as aware of the idea of liberty as anyone else.

The large population of Virginia slaves, before the rebellion of Gabriel Prosser, as it has been called, was increasing, while Gabriel and his brothers had learned to read, and it is quite possible that they were blacksmiths, as well as his father. They were owned by Thomas Prosser, and in August 1800 attempted a rebellion, which failed because of rain, and because they were denounced by two slaves. Gabriel, who was literate, and considered of intelligence and superior rank, even by whites, was hanged next to the 23 slaves who tried to rebel. By this attempt of rebellion, free African-Americans, and slaves, were prohibited from reading and writing, to prevent further rebellions.