47 pages • 1 hour read
American Slavery, American Freedom: The Ordeal of Colonial Virginia
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Book Brief
464
Book • Nonfiction
Virginia • 17th century
1975
Adult
18+ years
1560L
Super Short Summary
American Slavery, American Freedom by Edmund S. Morgan explores how America's Founding Fathers, particularly in Virginia, advocated for freedom while owning slaves. Morgan examines the unlikely development of slavery due to the failure to enslave Indigenous populations and indentured servants, analyzing the economic and social transition towards racial slavery. The book, divided into four parts, details the colony's early struggles, development, societal divisions, and eventual embrace of slavery influenced by racism and populist movements. The account highlights the intertwined relationship between freedom and slavery in colonial Virginia, culminating in the insights of Thomas Jefferson. Topics related to slavery, racism, and colonial exploitation are discussed in depth.
Informative
Contemplative
Dark
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
3,835 ratings
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Review Roundup
Edmund S. Morgan's American Slavery, American Freedom is praised for its thorough research and compelling argument linking the development of American slavery with the creation of American democracy. Critics appreciate its insightful analysis and engaging prose, though some find its thematic focus narrow. Overall, it is considered a significant contribution to historical scholarship.
Who Should Read American Slavery, American Freedom?
A reader who would enjoy American Slavery, American Freedom by Edmund S. Morgan is likely an academic or history enthusiast interested in the intersection of racial and economic developments in Colonial America. Comparable to the audience of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Eric Foner's Reconstruction.
3,835 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sir William Berkeley
Sir William Berkeley
The governor of Virginia known for his loyalty to the king, promotion of Virginia's planters, and his leadership during Bacon’s Rebellion, while trying to maintain peaceful relations with the Indians.
Sir Francis Drake
Sir Francis Drake
An English explorer and pirate who collaborated with the Cimarron people against the Spanish, with significant early interactions involving freed Indians and Africans.
Richard Hakluyt
Richard Hakluyt
A clergyman famous for writing "The Principal Navigations of the English Nation," promoting English exploration and imperialism with notions of global freedom.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
A seminal Virginia figure, Founding Father, and author of the Declaration of Independence, whose writings illustrated the convergence of ideas on freedom and slavery.
Edmund S. Morgan
Edmund S. Morgan
The author and historian who wrote about American history, recognized for his scholarship and contributions to understanding American freedom and slavery.
Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh
An English explorer who initiated the first English settlement at Roanoke and is associated with naming Virginia, while reflecting early English views on Indians and Africans.
John Smith
John Smith
A young adventurer and leader in early colonial Virginia, experienced in survival and communication with Indians, advocating their forced integration into colonial life.
464
Book • Nonfiction
Virginia • 17th century
1975
Adult
18+ years
1560L
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