text: I think if you were to take a good look at what slavery is it will sort of give you an insight as to why they were in fear. Slaves were held against their will and often beaten badly.  I think if you can realize the pressure of being held against your will you will understand it better.  If I were to hold you against your will/desire do you think I would have to be afraid of what you might do to me? Especially if you hated what I was doing to you and your family.  The planters were always afraid of the slaves killing them in their attempt to gain freedom.  They did not like the slavemasters very well.