Gabriel’s rebellion: was doomed to fail because the african-american population of richmond was so small. demonstrated that the slaves were as aware of the idea of liberty as anyone else. inspired virginia to adopt a gradual emancipation law in 1803. failed partly because its leaders were plantation slaves, who had less contact with the outside world and were unaware of how little support they enjoyed. prompted several states to pass laws requiring slaves to be educated about the constitution and the importance of obeying the law.