American Slavery, American Imperialism: US Perceptions of Global Servitude, 1870-1914

Slavery casts a long shadow over American history, and despite the Civil War and emancipation, the United States carried antebellum notions of slavery into its imperial expansion at the turn of the twentieth-century. Catherine Armstrong argues that this was done with rhetorical manoeuvres around the definition of slavery, challenging the idea that slavery is a merely historical problem and showing its relevance in the contemporary world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 297 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Slavery casts a profound and enduring shadow over American history, despite the transformative events of the Civil War and the subsequent emancipation of enslaved individuals. Even as the United States embarked on its imperial expansion at the turn of the twentieth century, it carried with it the remnants of antebellum notions of slavery. During this period, African American, Chinese, and other immigrant laborers were subjected to exploitative practices in the name of domestic economic development. Moreover, local populations were subjected to colonial rule, becoming subjects of America's overseas empire.

The United States faced a perplexing paradox as it presented itself as a global power that abhorred slavery, while simultaneously failing to address forced labor within its own borders. Catherine Armstrong argues that this paradox was addressed through rhetorical maneuvers surrounding the definition of slavery. Drawing primarily on representations of slavery in American print culture, Armstrong's study explores how definitions and depictions of slavery evolved and remained consistent as the nation became a prominent actor on the world stage.

Through her analysis, Armstrong challenges the notion that slavery is merely a historical problem and demonstrates its continued relevance in the contemporary world. She highlights the ways in which historical legacies of slavery continue to shape societal structures, ideologies, and power dynamics, impacting the lives of individuals and communities across the globe.

Armstrong's study sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of slavery, providing a valuable contribution to our understanding of American history and its global implications. It underscores the importance of confronting the past and addressing the ongoing challenges of inequality and injustice, as we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

ISBN-13: 9781108701914