Writing the History of Global Slavery

This Element emphasizes the need to replace existing models of global slavery with a more global perspective that connects it to other world institutions like empires. It suggests that studying the global history of slavery can be enhanced by historicizing the study of history as an institution with a changing history and by utilizing the vast array of sources available about the lives, experiences, and thoughts of the enslaved from ancient to modern times.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Global slavery, as currently understood and modeled after antebellum American slavery, is a limited perspective that fails to capture the diverse and complex nature of this historical phenomenon. It suggests that we should replace these models with a more global perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of slavery across different regions and cultures. By examining the relationship between slavery and empires, we can gain a deeper understanding of the global history of slavery. This approach historicizes the study of history as an institution that evolves over time and space, allowing us to appreciate the changing perspectives and experiences of enslaved individuals throughout different periods.

Furthermore, by drawing on the expertise of scholars studying modern slavery, we can leverage the vast array of available sources, including historical documents, oral histories, and artistic expressions, to give voice to the experiences of the enslaved. These voices, spanning from ancient to modern times, are essential in shaping our understanding of global slavery and its various manifestations.

Recognizing the limitations of current models and embracing a more global perspective is crucial in order to develop a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the history of slavery. This title, available as Open Access on Cambridge Core, encourages scholars and researchers to explore this topic further and contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced narrative of global slavery.

ISBN-13: 9781009406277