Our Suffering Brethren: Foreign Captivity and Nationalism in the Early United States

During the early American republic, stories of American captivity abroad sparked democratic debate and increased unity among citizens, leading to demands for stronger government efforts to free their fellow Americans. This reveals America's commitment to protecting the legacy of the Revolution and growing political divisions.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 30 June 2019
\n Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press
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In October 1785, American statesman John Jay recognized that the mistreatment of his countrymen abroad would foster unity and consolidation within the United States. This statement holds a rich historical context, spanning from the British impressment of patriots during the American Revolution to the capture of American sailors by Algerian corsairs and Barbary pirates at the dawn of the nineteenth century. The narratives of Americans imprisoned abroad ignited a democratic debate, as citizens rallied around their newly unified identity, demanding that their government enhance its efforts to secure the release of their fellow Americans. Deliberations about the country's vulnerabilities in the Atlantic world shed light on America's commitment to safeguarding the legacy of the Revolution while also revealing growing political divisions.

To delve into the significance of these stories, David J. Dzurec III has undertaken a comprehensive exploration, drawing upon newspaper accounts, prisoner narratives, and government records. His work sheds light on how the experiences of American captivity in North America, Europe, and Africa played a pivotal role in shaping American political culture. This addition to our understanding of foreign relations and domestic politics in the early American republic offers a fresh perspective and deepens our understanding of this crucial period.

\n Weight: 390g\n
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781625344076\n \n