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This book was created from the original title "American Slavery as it is in 1839-Testimony of a Thousand Witnesses" written by Theodore Weld. It was the book that inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe to pen her novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and along with that book, helped ignite the flames of the American Civil War. The first hand, eyewitness accounts in this book both shocked and infuriated many people in the northern free states who knew that slavery was bad...but had no idea just how bad it really was. The Abolitionist movement took off and began to grow with increased pressure being put on our government to end this abomination. The southern slave states bitterly opposed any new laws to remove this blight from our country and the end result was Civil War. This book is part of the Historical Collection of Badgley Publishing Company and has been transcribed from the original. The original contents have been edited and corrections have been made to original printing, spelling and grammatical errors when not in conflict with the author's intent to portray a particular event or interaction. Annotations have been made and additional content has been added by Badgley Publishing Company in order to clarify certain historical events or interactions and to enhance the author's content. Additional illustrations and photos have been added by Badgley Publishing Company. This book has been re-indexed. This work was created under the terms of a Creative Commons Public License 2.5. This work is protected by copyright and/or other applicable law. Any use of this work, other than as authorized under this license or copyright law, is prohibited.
In "American Slavery as It Is: Testimony of a Thousand Witnesses," Theodore Dwight Weld presents a compelling and unflinching critique of the institution of slavery in the United States. Written in a direct and polemical style, Weld employs a vast array of firsthand testimonies, legal documents, and statistical evidence to illuminate the brutal realities of enslaved life, dispelling the myths that sought to justify human bondage. The book serves as a critical primary source in the abolitionist movement, effectively engaging its contemporary audience by intertwining moral outrage with an empirical approach, positioning it squarely within the literary context of 19th-century activism aimed at social reform. Weld, a prominent abolitionist and former student of the Lane Theological Seminary, was deeply influenced by the evangelical ideals of the Second Great Awakening and his interactions with fellow abolitionists, including his wife, Angelina Grimké. His own experiences witnessing the horrors of slavery and the moral imperative he felt motivated him to gather testimonies and document experiences of the enslaved, thus channeling his intellectual and spiritual fervor into this significant work that merges humanitarian concern with rigorous scholarship. "American Slavery as It Is" is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of America's past and the foundational role of slavery in shaping contemporary society. Weld's powerful use of narrative and evidence not only galvanizes the abolitionist cause but invites modern readers to reflect on the enduring legacy of systemic injustice. This book is not merely a historical account; it is a call to conscience that remains relevant in today's discussions of race and human rights. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - An Introduction draws the threads together, discussing why these diverse authors and texts belong in one collection. - Historical Context explores the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped these works, offering insight into the shared (or contrasting) eras that influenced each writer. - A combined Synopsis (Selection) briefly outlines the key plots or arguments of the included pieces, helping readers grasp the anthology's overall scope without giving away essential twists. - A collective Analysis highlights common themes, stylistic variations, and significant crossovers in tone and technique, tying together writers from different backgrounds. - Reflection questions encourage readers to compare the different voices and perspectives within the collection, fostering a richer understanding of the overarching conversation.
In "American Slavery as It Is: Testimonies," Theodore Dwight Weld compiles a poignant anthology of firsthand accounts detailing the horrors of slavery in the United States. Written in the wake of increasing abolitionist sentiment, the book is characterized by its candid and unflinching literary style, employing vivid narrative techniques that bring to life the often-unspoken realities faced by enslaved individuals. Weld presents a well-structured argument, meticulously cross-referencing testimonies to expose the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the institution of slavery, thus placing the work in a critical context of 19th-century American abolitionist literature. Theodore Dwight Weld, a prominent abolitionist and a passionate advocate for social reform, was heavily influenced by the moral teachings of the Second Great Awakening and the writings of contemporaneous abolitionists. His deep personal conviction against slavery drove him to seek out testimonies from former slaves and others affected by the brutal system. Weld's engagement with theological principles, alongside his extensive travels throughout the South, informed his understanding and portrayal of the enslaved experience, enabling him to present a powerful moral case against slavery. This essential work is highly recommended for those seeking a profound understanding of the American slavery narrative and its implications for contemporary society. "American Slavery as It Is" serves as a crucial historical document that not only educates readers about the lived experiences of enslaved individuals but also calls for moral reflection and social justice, making it a vital addition to any historical or ethical discourse. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
by Theodore Dwight Weld
With the recent success of the movie and book "Twelve Years A Slave" in mind, this title, as the name imports, gives a true picture of the state of slavery in the United States in the first half of the 19th century. It had an important bearing on the great controversy upon this subject at the time it was published. The evidence which it contains is minutely circumstantial. A considerable portion of the book consists of the narratives of persons who have resided at the south, and witnessed the treatment of the slaves on the plantation with which they were conversant. With very few exceptions the name of the witness is given, and in the cases in which circumstances make it unsafe that he should be known, his character for integrity is vouched for by some responsible person. In some instances also, but those very few, the witness relates what was told him by persons on whose veracity he could rely. But the great mass of the evidence is original and from known and named witnesses. Please be advised that this book contains very explicit and detailed narratives that tell of torture, pain and cruelty.