Question

horrid massacre in virginia
19th century woodcut entitled horrid massacre in virginia from the book, authentic and impartial narrative of the tragical scene which was witnessed in southampton county (jcc)
composite of scenes of nat turners rebellion. caption reads: the scenes which the above plate is designed to represent are - fig. 1 a mother intreating for the lives of her children. - 2 mr. travis, cruelly murdered by his own slaves. - 3. mr. barrow, who bravely defended himself until his wife escaped - 4 a comp of mounted dragoons in pursuit of the blacks.
the most likely cause of southerners fear of uprisings as shown in the image was most likely due to which of the following?
select one answer
a the supply of enslaved people began to outpace the demand for enslaved workers.
b the number of those enslaved grew to the point that it matched or exceeded the free population in some southern states.
c the number of enslaved people traded domestically began to outnumber foreign - traded enslaved people.
d the north refused to enforce fugitive slave laws.
no answer saved

Explanation:

The image depicts Nat Turner’s rebellion, a slave uprising. Southern fear of uprisings stemmed from demographic imbalance: in some states, enslaved people matched or exceeded free populations, threatening the minority white ruling class’s control. Option A is incorrect (demand for enslaved workers remained high). Option C is irrelevant (domestic vs. foreign trade didn’t drive fear of uprisings). Option D (fugitive slave laws) relates to enforcement, not the core demographic cause of uprising fears.

Answer:

B. The number of those enslaved grew to the point that it matched or exceeded the free population in some Southern states.