Disowning Slavery: Gradual Emancipation and "Race" in New England, 1780–1860

by Joanne Pope Melish

Following the abolition of slavery in New England, white citizens seemed to forget that it had ever existed there. Drawing on a wide array of primary sources―from slaveowners' diaries to children's daybooks to racist broadsides―Joanne Pope Melish reveals not only how northern society changed but how its perceptions changed as well. Melish explores the origins of racial thinking and practices to show how ill-prepared the region was to accept a population of free people of color in its midst. Because emancipation was gradual, whites transferred prejudices shaped by slavery to their relations with free people of color, and their attitudes were buttressed by abolitionist rhetoric which seemed to promise riddance of slaves as much as slavery. She tells how whites came to blame the impoverished condition of people of color on their innate inferiority, how racialization became an important component of New England ante-bellum nationalism, and how former slaves actively participated in this discourse by emphasizing their African identity. Placing race at the center of New England history, Melish contends that slavery was important not only as a labor system but also as an institutionalized set of relations. The collective amnesia about local slavery's existence became a significant component of New England regional identity.

Genres: History, Race, Nonfiction, 19th Century, American History

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic exploration of the construction of race, New England's abolition movement and process, and regional nationalism. I appreciated that Melish explored the creation of "whiteness" and "blackness" from the perspective of both white New Englanders and Black slaves, freemen, and activists. She also does a nice job pushing back against New England's self-styled moral superiority over the South on the question of slavery and racism. (Importantly, she does this without suggesting that Southern slavery was somehow the same as it was in New England).

It's an academic text but is written in an accessible fashion. It's worthwhile reading for anyone interested in New England history, the history of slavery and abolition, and folks interested in getting past the simplified North = good, South = bad study of slavery in the United States.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched and thoughtfully presented. Dense.

[Annie Slappy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very stark critique of Northerners as upholders of American freedom, when they were in fact culpable in slavery and plantation economies around the world. Wish she would've talked about African-Americans and their experiences other than in just the first and last chapter.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

some part were a bit heavy going, other parts that focused on individual stories more interesting, altogether fascinating and informative

[Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much 'it seems reasonable to conjecture' (based on previously published work or anecdotal evidence) that this seemed less like history than a theorem or a college paper.

[Fallyn Smythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good this should be taught in all schools

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, well documented, and fascinating account of the history of inter-racial relations in the US from its earliest days.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars...