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American Slavery, American Freedom
464 pages, 2003
history
999 books
economics & politics
987 booksVirginians were the most eloquent spokesmen for freedom and quality. George Washington led the Americans in the battle against British oppression.
Thomas Jefferson led them in declaring independence. Virginians drafted not only the Declaration but also the Constitution and Bill of Rights; they were elected to the presidency of the United States under that Constitution for thirty-two of the first thirty-six years of its existence. They were all slaveholders.
In American Slavery, American Freedom, Edmund S. Morgan explores the paradox of a nation built on the principles of liberty and equality, yet founded on the brutal reality of slavery. He digs into the historical context to help us understand this contradiction.
Morgan's research shows that slavery was not just a social issue, but a key economic factor in the development of America. The book encourages readers to look into how the labor of enslaved people contributed to the wealth and prosperity of the nation.
The book takes a deep look into the history of Virginia, a state that played a significant role in the establishment of American slavery. Morgan paints a detailed picture of Virginia's transformation from a society with slaves to a slave society.
Morgan explores the idea that racism was not the cause of slavery, but rather a consequence of it. He suggests that racial prejudice was used as a justification for the enslavement of African people, a perspective that challenges traditional views.
American Slavery, American Freedom doesn't just focus on the past. It also encourages readers to see how the legacy of slavery continues to shape modern America. By understanding this history, we can better address racial inequality and injustice today.
Quotes 5
Morgan's 'American Slavery, American Freedom' is a book that profoundly illuminates the paradox of a nation that champions freedom yet was built on the foundation of slavery.
Gordon S. Wood - Historian, AuthorMorgan's work is a profound exploration of the paradoxical relationship between slavery and freedom, a theme central to American history.
David Brion Davis - Historian, ProfessorMorgan's 'American Slavery, American Freedom' is a seminal work that has reshaped our understanding of the paradox at the heart of America's founding.
Eric Foner - Historian, AuthorMorgan's book is a masterful examination of the uncomfortable truth that American freedom was built on the backs of slaves.
Jill Lepore - Historian, AuthorMorgan's 'American Slavery, American Freedom' is a groundbreaking work that exposes the deep roots of America's original sin.
Henry Louis Gates Jr. - Scholar, Filmmaker