Why do you think white colonists responded with such fear and paranoia to the possibility of a slave revolt, even in situations where there was no evidence of conspiracy?

Because the possibility of slaves banding together and overthrowing the white community was a real threat.

Explanation:

Any person would would be paranoid at the thought of a revolt of any kind. I do not know what time period you are referring to but between 1525 and 1866, approximately 10.7 million slaves were dispersed throughout North and South America. And as you recall, Nat Turner did lead a slave revolt which did kill about 50 white people within a matter of days.

sitting in that one chair where he could get shot at was his worst decision.