Slavery

Defining Documents in American History: Slavery delves into the extremely long and violent history of the titular subject. These volumes discuss slavery in multiple contexts, from ancient times to the slave trade during colonial America, and from the abolitionist movement to issues of slavery in the modern era.

Slavery was not universally endorsed, but it became a part of the economic fabric of the nation. Riots and rebellions alarmed owners and strengthened the resolve of those who worked toward the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of the men, women, and children deemed “property” and valued as only three-fifths of a human. It took a civil war to achieve the goal of freedom for all, and decades of work that continues to this day, to gain and defend the civil rights and liberties afforded to all citizens.

Defining Documents in American History: Slavery offers in-depth analysis of fifty-eight documents, including letters, memoirs, newspaper accounts, book excerpts, speeches, sermons, political debates, testimony, field orders, firsthand accounts, diaries, court rulings, legal texts, and legislative acts.