10 Controversial Writings on Empire and Slavery That Will Challenge Your Perspective on History

Throughout history, the concept of empire and its associated practices of slavery has been a subject of much debate and controversy. Many writers have boldly delved into this dark chapter of human history, leaving behind thought-provoking and eye-opening pieces of literature. In this article, we will explore ten influential writings on empire and slavery that will challenge your perspective and shed light on this important topic.

1. "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" by Frederick Douglass

The powerful autobiography of Frederick Douglass, a former slave, provides an intimate and agonizing account of the brutalities and injustices endured by enslaved individuals in America. Douglass's eloquent prose exposes the hypocrisy of an empire built on the oppression of an entire race, forcing readers to confront the harsh realities of slavery head-on.

2. "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad

In this haunting novella, Joseph Conrad explores the dark heart of European imperialism in Africa. Through the journey of protagonist Charles Marlow, the reader is confronted with the devastating consequences of exploitation and the depths of human savagery. Conrad's evocative writing raises important questions about power, morality, and the inherent flaws of imperialist endeavors.

Writings on Empire and Slavery

by Alexis de Tocqueville (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1136 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

FREE

3. "King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa" by Adam Hochschild

Adam Hochschild meticulously examines the horrific actions of Belgian King Leopold II in the Congo Free State, providing a harrowing account of one of history's most brutal examples of imperial exploitation. Through rigorous research and captivating storytelling, Hochschild uncovers the atrocities committed under the guise of progress and the individuals who fought against this unjust system.

4. "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African" by Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano's memoir explores his life as a formerly enslaved African who eventually gained his freedom. Equiano highlights the horrors of the Middle Passage, where millions of Africans were transported across the Atlantic, and exposes the dehumanization experienced by enslaved individuals throughout the empire. This powerful firsthand account challenges the narratives propagated by proponents of slavery.

5. "Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves" by Adam Hochschild

Adam Hochschild delves into the abolitionist movement in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries, providing a captivating narrative of the individuals who fought tirelessly for the emancipation of enslaved people within the empire. Through extensive research and engaging storytelling, Hochschild sheds light on the efforts, setbacks, and triumphs of this pivotal period in history.

6. "Capitalism and Slavery" by Eric Williams

In this groundbreaking work, Eric Williams explores the connections between the rise of industrial capitalism in Europe and the flourishing of the transatlantic slave trade. Williams argues that empire-building and economic exploitation were intimately tied, forever altering the trajectory of both Europe and the colonies. This thought-provoking analysis challenges conventional understandings of economic history.

7. "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois examines the psychological toll of slavery and its aftermath on African Americans in this seminal work. Du Bois puts forth the concept of the "double consciousness," whereby the African American individual must navigate their own identity while contending with the expectations and prejudices of a racist society. This influential text provides valuable insight into the lasting legacy of slavery within the empire.

8. "The Slave Ship: A Human History" by Marcus Rediker

Marcus Rediker delves into the horrific world of slave ships and the Middle Passage in this deeply researched and vividly written book. Through personal stories, Rediker brings to life the horrifying conditions endured by enslaved individuals during their forced journey across the Atlantic. The Slave Ship forces readers to confront the inhumanity of empire and the commodification of human lives.

9. "Historians and the Extent of Slave Ownership in the Southern United States" by Warren B. Smith Jr.

This seminal article challenges the prevailing notion that only a select few in the antebellum South owned slaves. Warren B. Smith Jr. utilizes extensive data to reveal that a much larger percentage of the white population held slaves, thus underscoring the widespread dependence on the institution of slavery within the empire. This rigorous analysis sheds light on the economic and social dynamics of the time.

10. "A Small Place" by Jamaica Kincaid

Jamaica Kincaid's searing essay delves into the legacy of colonialism and imperialism in her native Antigua. Kincaid's powerful prose exposes the lasting effects of empire on a small Caribbean island, challenging readers to reevaluate their understanding of the impact of imperialism on former colonies. Through a mix of personal reflection and scathing critique, Kincaid's work is both thought-provoking and deeply poignant.

These ten writings on empire and slavery provide valuable insights into a dark chapter of human history, challenging conventional narratives and forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths. From firsthand accounts to critical analyses, these works offer a nuanced perspective on the complex dynamics of imperialism and the human cost of slavery. By engaging with these texts, we can strive toward a more comprehensive understanding of our shared past and work towards a more just future.

Writings on Empire and Slavery

by Alexis de Tocqueville (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1136 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

FREE

After completing his research for Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville turned to the French consolidation of its empire in North Africa, which he believed deserving of similar attention. Tocqueville began studying Algerian history and culture, making two trips to Algeria in 1841 and 1846. He quickly became one of France's foremost experts on the country and wrote essays, articles, official letters, and parliamentary reports on such diverse topics as France's military and administrative policies in North Africa, the people of the Maghrib, his own travels in Algeria, and the practice of Islam. Throughout, Tocqueville consistently defended the French imperial project, a position that stands in tension with his admiration for the benefits of democracy he witnessed in America.

Although Tocqueville never published a book-length study of French North Africa, his various writings on the subject provide as invaluable a portrait of French imperialism as Democracy in America does of the Early Republic period in American history. In Writings on Empire and Slavery, Jennifer Pitts has selected and translated nine of his most important dispatches on Algeria, which offer startling new insights into both Tocqueville's political thought and French liberalism's attitudes toward the political, military, and moral aspects of France's colonial expansion. The volume also includes six articles Tocqueville wrote during the same period calling for the emancipation of slaves in France's Caribbean colonies.