Question

which of the following statements about resistance to enslavement is true?

a.) over half of all enslaved persons attempted to escape at some point.

b.) most enslaved people refused to worship the christian god of their enslavers.

c.) running away from ones enslaver was almost never attempted.

d.) enslaved people hiding their intelligence from their enslavers was a common form of resistance.

Explanation:

Analyze the forms of resistance

Resistance to enslavement took many forms, categorized broadly into overt (rebellion, running away) and everyday/covert resistance.

Evaluate option A and C

Running away was a significant and persistent method of resistance, making option (c) false. However, because of the extreme dangers, geographical barriers, and severe punishments, it was not attempted by "over half" of all enslaved people, making option (a) historically inaccurate.

Evaluate option B

Many enslaved people adopted Christianity, blending it with African traditions and using its narratives (such as the Exodus) as a source of hope and spiritual resistance, rather than flatly refusing to worship the Christian God. Thus, option (b) is incorrect.

Evaluate option D

Everyday resistance was the most common form of protest. This included subtle, non-violent acts such as feigning illness, breaking tools, working slowly, and hiding one's intelligence or playing dumb ("puttin' on ole Massa") to avoid extra labor, escape punishment, or outwit enslavers. Therefore, option (d) is historically true.

Answer:

• a.) Over half of all enslaved persons attempted to escape at some point.
• b.) Most enslaved people refused to worship the Christian God of their enslavers.
• c.) Running away from one's enslaver was almost never attempted.
• d.) Enslaved people hiding their intelligence from their enslavers was a common form of resistance. (Correct answer)