Wanted! A Nation!: Black Americans and Haiti, 1804-1893

Presents a complex panorama of the emergence of African American identity and argues that Haiti should be considered as an essential prism to understand how African Americans forged their identity in the nineteenth century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Wanted! A Nation! delves into the intricate tapestry of Haitian history, shedding light on its significance for both white and black Americans throughout the nineteenth century. Before the Civil War, Claire Bourhis-Mariotti contends, Haiti was viewed by free black Americans as a potential haven where full citizenship could be achieved. In times of despair when they felt their rights were unattainable in the United States, Haiti became a beacon of hope, offering a sanctuary and a chance for a new beginning.

Moreover, Haiti played a pivotal role in the struggle for equal rights. Haitian leaders actively supported American emigration to Haiti in the 1820s and early 1860s, providing a haven for those seeking freedom and a better life. They also opposed American geostrategic and diplomatic diktats in the 1870s and 1880s, advocating for Haitian sovereignty and independence. At the 1893 Columbian Worlds Fair, Haitian leaders offered Frederick Douglass a platform to speak out against slavery and the slave trade, galvanizing the African American community and paving the way for subsequent civil rights movements.

Wanted! A Nation! extends beyond the confines of national American history, offering a broader perspective on the struggle for equal rights. By examining the interactions between Haiti and the United States, the book contributes to the writing of an Atlantic and global history of the fight for equal rights. It highlights the interconnectedness of different regions and peoples in the pursuit of justice and equality, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical complexities and transnational connections.

In conclusion, Wanted! A Nation! is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the complex and multifaceted relationship between Haiti and African Americans in the nineteenth century. Through its comprehensive analysis, the book demonstrates how Haiti served as a catalyst for the formation of African American identity and how it played a vital role in the struggle for equal rights. By expanding the boundaries of historical inquiry, Wanted! A Nation! contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820362700