How did enslaved people often resist their oppressive working conditions on plantations?

Enslaved people employed various methods of resistance to cope with the oppressive conditions on plantations, and acts of sabotage, slowdowns, and feigning illness were among the most common. These tactics allowed them to express their discontent and exert some control over their circumstances, albeit in subtle and often risky ways.

Sabotage involved damaging tools or crops to disrupt the plantation's productivity, thereby making a statement against their exploitation. Slowdowns consisted of deliberately working at a slower pace to reduce output without overtly defying their overseers. Additionally, feigning illness was a way for enslaved individuals to escape labor temporarily, giving them a brief respite from their grueling schedules.

These forms of resistance demonstrated the resilience and agency of enslaved people, highlighting their refusal to accept their subjugation passively. The other options do not accurately represent how enslaved individuals responded to their conditions, as they did not simply embrace their roles, seek opportunities elsewhere, or rely on government authorities for redress, given the systemic barriers posed to their rights and freedom during that era.