New York conspiracy

• What year did the New York Conspiracy occur?

  1741
• Who were believed to be plotting to burn down New York City?

  Slaves, Catholics, black Spanish sailors, poor whites
• What event increased fear of slave rebellions in New York?

  The Stono Rebellion of 1739
• What percentage of New York City's population were slaves in 1741?

  20 percent
• What war heightened fears of the Spanish in New York?

  The War of Jenkins' Ear
• What led to rioting among poor white New Yorkers in 1740-41?

  Harsh winter conditions
• Who was Mary Burton?

  An indentured Irish servant
• What did Mary Burton do to gain her freedom?

  Gave evidence about overheard plots
• Who were Caesar, Prince, and Cuffee?

  Three accused slaves
• What role did Mr. Hughson play in the conspiracy?

  Owner of the tavern and Mary Burton's boss
• What was John Ury suspected of being?

  A Catholic priest
• What was the significance of the fires that broke out in April 1741?

  They fueled rumors of a conspiracy
• What were the key events in the timeline of the New York Conspiracy in 1741?

  • 3 March: Mary Burton names Caesar
  • 25 March: Fires break out
  • 21 April: Grand jury investigates
  • 1 May: Trials begin
  • 29 July: John Ury found guilty
  • 11 May: First executions occur
• What happened to the slaves accused in the conspiracy?

  Many were executed or transported
• What laws did the city council pass against ethnic minorities?

  Prevented them from riding horses on Sundays
• What were the consequences of the New York Conspiracy?

  • Increased fear of slave rebellions
  • Discrimination against Catholics and minorities
  • Executions of 13 slaves and 4 whites
  • Transportation of around 80 slaves
• How did the number of arrests affect public perception?

  It increased fear among the population
• How many slaves were burned at the stake?

  13 slaves
• How many whites were hanged during the conspiracy trials?

  Four whites
• What was the public reaction to the trials and executions?

  Fear and discrimination increased
• How did the New York Conspiracy reflect societal tensions of the time?

  It highlighted fears of rebellion and discrimination