How did people in the south react when their slaves rioted?

Slave rebellions were rare, but when they did occur, the white response was swift and brutal. The plantation owners and other whites would form posses and hunt down the rebels, often lynching them on the spot. In some cases, the state militia would be called out to suppress the rebellion. The goal was to send a message to other slaves that any thought of rebellion would be met with extreme violence.

In addition to the immediate violence, slave rebellions could also have long-term consequences for the slaves. In the aftermath of a rebellion, the plantation owners would often increase security measures, making it more difficult for slaves to escape. They might also step up their punishments of slaves, in an effort to discourage any further thoughts of rebellion.