Slavery and Racism in American Politics, 1776-1876 - by Michael C Thomsett (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 249
Genre: History
Sub-Genre: Military
Format: Paperback
Publisher: McFarland & Company
Age Range: Adult
Book theme: United States
Author: Michael C Thomsett
Language: English

About the Book

"From the very inception of the United States, few issues have been so divisive and defining as American slavery. Even as the U.S. was founded on principles of liberty, independence and freedom, slavery advocates and sympathizers positioned themselves in every aspect of American influence. Over the centuries, the characterization of early American figures, legislation and party platforms has been debated. The author seeks to clarify often unanswered--or ignored--questions about notable figures, sociopolitical movements and their positions on slavery. From early legislation like the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793 to Reconstruction and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, this book explores the background of some of America's most controversial moments. Spanning the first American century, it offers a detailed chronology of slavery and racism in early U.S. politics and society."--

Book Synopsis

From the very inception of the United States, few issues have been so divisive and defining as American slavery. Even as the U.S. was founded on principles of liberty, independence and freedom, slavery advocates and sympathizers positioned themselves in every aspect of American influence. Over the centuries, the characterization of early American figures, legislation and party platforms has been debated. The author seeks to clarify often unanswered--or ignored--questions about notable figures, sociopolitical movements and their positions on slavery. From early legislation like the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793 to Reconstruction and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, this book explores some of America's most controversial moments. Spanning the first American century, it offers a detailed chronology of slavery and racism in early U.S. politics and society.

Review Quotes

"No serious student of American history can deny the importance of this book's focus--slavery and white racism as a leitmotif during the first 100 years of US history. Positioning southern slavery at the core of this history, the author surveys how the 'peculiar institution' began, evolved, and concluded during the crucible of the Civil War, but reemerged in a different guise during Reconstruction...factually driven...extremely well-illustrated...recommended"--Choice

About the Author

Michael C. Thomsett is the author, coauthor or compiler of many books including topical dictionaries, collections of quotations and history books. He lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee.