The Problem of Slavery in the Age of Emancipation

Slavery was a contentious issue in the early part of American history. While many people thought it would die of naturally, many people were against the immediate emancipation of slaves all at once. But the movement became fractured, with some groups arguing that freed slaves be sent back to Africa, in a sense re-colonizing the lands they were taken from and then develop those lands into model arenas of governance and opportunity, based on the Protestant work ethic. Others, a small minority, wanted immediate emancipation and for the former slaves to be integrated into society quickly, and on equal footing. This is the final book of looking at slavery in the early part of American history and David Brion Davis brings us right up to the beginning of the Civil War. While he looks at other countries, the focus is on the Americas and how they react to potential slave uprisings; and the British freeing all of their slaves, and the economic impact that had on its colonies.

This book is not perfect; at times it becomes long winded and easy for a reader to become lost. There is no doubt Mr. Davis has written a monumental work; it is just will he be recognized for it.