- The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804): In the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), enslaved people of African descent, including free people of colour, revolted against the French colonial system and eventually established an independent nation. The revolt was fueled by factors such as harsh living and working conditions on the plantations, discrimination against free people of colour, and the influence of the French Revolution.
- The Nat Turner Rebellion (1831): In Southampton County, Virginia, USA, enslaved people of African descent, including free people of colour, led by Nat Turner, launched a rebellion against white slave owners. The revolt was motivated by the brutal treatment of enslaved people, resistance to the institution of slavery, and religious inspiration.
- The Demerara Rebellion (1823): In Demerara (now Guyana), a British colony, enslaved people of African descent, including free people of colour, rebelled against their enslavers after the British government promised freedom to slaves who fought for the British in the War of 1812. However, the promise was not fulfilled, leading to dissatisfaction and ultimately the revolt.
- The Jamaican Maroon Wars (18th century): In Jamaica, a British colony, the Maroons, primarily descendants of enslaved people of African descent who had escaped and formed independent communities, fought several wars against the British colonial authorities to maintain their freedom and autonomy.
It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and there were other instances of resistance and revolt by free people of colour in various periods and locations. Their motivations varied based on specific historical, social, political, and economic circumstances in each case.