What form of resistance did many slaves use against their masters?

The correct answer is rooted in the historical context of slavery and the various ways enslaved Africans pushed back against their conditions. African resistance encompasses a range of actions taken by enslaved people, from subtle forms of defiance like work slowdowns and sabotage to more overt acts of rebellion such as revolts. This concept reflects the broader struggle for autonomy and dignity against the oppressive system of chattel slavery.

While some enslaved individuals did engage in cooperation or communication among themselves, the term "cooperative labor" does not fully capture the essence of resistance as it implies a degree of compliance or acceptance of their circumstances. Similarly, "word of mouth communication" might have been a method of sharing information and fostering solidarity among slaves, but it does not encapsulate active resistance. Lastly, "public protests" refers more to organized expressions of dissent that occurred in contexts where people were not subjected to the same levels of oppression, making it less applicable to the experiences of enslaved Africans who often operated within a clandestine existence due to the nature of their servitude.

Thus, African resistance succinctly encapsulates the varied and complex forms of opposition that enslaved people engaged in, recognizing their agency amid the brutal realities of slavery.