American Slavery, 1619-1877

Over four hundred years, twelve million Africans were enslaved and forcibly transported to the Americas. This course traces the emergence of Atlantic slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, focusing on British North America. Students will study the consolidation of African slavery in different settings as well as the changing role of race in justifying the institution. Moving forward, this course studies how slavery and enslaved Africans affected the foundation of the United States. Students will examine how the institution shaped the development of American politics, the economy, and society more broadly. Centered around the enslaved experience, this course also delves into the world of slave owners to better understand how slavery grew, flourished, and developed into a uniquely American institution before its rapid, bloody demise.