The Reckoning
From the Second Slavery to Abolition, 1776-1888
By Robin Blackburn | Publisher: Verso Books
About the book
\"Tremendously impressive, the result of a lifetime of learning. Historical writing at its best.\"
—Marcus Rediker, author of The Slave Ship
A history of 19th century slavery in the US, Brazil and Cuba from a critically acclaimed historian of slavery in the Americas
The Reckoning offers the first rounded account of the rise and fall of the Second Slavery—largescale plantation slavery in nineteenth-century Brazil, Cuba and the US South. Robin Blackburn shows how a fusion of industrial capitalism and transatlantic war and revolution turbo-charged racial oppression and the westwards expansion of the United States.
Blackburn identifies the new territories, new victims and new battle cries of the Second Slavery. He emphasises the role of financial credit in the spread of plantation agriculture, traces the connections between slavery and the US Civil War, and asks why Brazil threw off Portuguese rule whereas Cuba became one of imperial Spain’s final outposts.
The Second Slavery faced a fearful reckoning in the 1860s and after when the supposedly invincible Slave Power was defied by extraordinary cross-class, international and interracial alliances. Blackburn narrates the abolitionists’ difficult victory over the enslavers, while documenting the racial backlash which brought on Jim Crow and cheated the freedmen and freedwomen of the fruits of their struggle.
Editions of The Reckoning
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781804293416
- EBook
- ISBN 9781804293423
Read an Excerpt
\"Tremendously impressive, the result of a lifetime of learning. Historical writing at its best.\"
—Marcus Rediker, author of The Slave Ship
A history of 19th century slavery in the US, Brazil and Cuba from a critically acclaimed historian of slavery in the Americas
The Reckoning offers the first rounded account of the rise and fall of the Second Slavery—largescale plantation slavery in nineteenth-century Brazil, Cuba and the US South. Robin Blackburn shows how a fusion of industrial capitalism and transatlantic war and revolution turbo-charged racial oppression and the westwards expansion of the United States.
Blackburn identifies the new territories, new victims and new battle cries of the Second Slavery. He emphasises the role of financial credit in the spread of plantation agriculture, traces the connections between slavery and the US Civil War, and asks why Brazil threw off Portuguese rule whereas Cuba became one of imperial Spain’s final outposts.
The Second Slavery faced a fearful reckoning in the 1860s and after when the supposedly invincible Slave Power was defied by extraordinary cross-class, international and interracial alliances. Blackburn narrates the abolitionists’ difficult victory over the enslavers, while documenting the racial backlash which brought on Jim Crow and cheated the freedmen and freedwomen of the fruits of their struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Reckoning about?
\"Tremendously impressive, the result of a lifetime of learning. Historical writing at its best.\"
—Marcus Rediker, author of The Slave Ship
A history of 19th century slavery in the US, Brazil and Cuba from a critically acclaimed historian of slavery in the Americas
The Reckoning offers the first rounded account of the rise and fall of the Second Slavery—largescale plantation slavery in nineteenth-century Brazil, Cuba and the US South. Robin Blackburn shows how a fusion of industrial capitalism and transatlantic war and revolution turbo-charged racial oppression and the westwards expansion of the United States.
Blackburn identifies the new territories, new victims and new battle cries of the Second Slavery. He emphasises the role of financial credit in the spread of plantation agriculture, traces the connections between slavery and the US Civil War, and asks why Brazil threw off Portuguese rule whereas Cuba became one of imperial Spain’s final outposts.
The Second Slavery faced a fearful reckoning in the 1860s and after when the supposedly invincible Slave Power was defied by extraordinary cross-class, international and interracial alliances. Blackburn narrates the abolitionists’ difficult victory over the enslavers, while documenting the racial backlash which brought on Jim Crow and cheated the freedmen and freedwomen of the fruits of their struggle.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Reckoning?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of The Reckoning?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781804293416
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Reckoning?
Robin Blackburn
Who is the Publisher of the book The Reckoning?
Verso Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Reckoning is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781804293416) and ebook(ISBN 9781804293423)
Where can I buy The Reckoning online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Reckoning from below
Where can I buy The Reckoning?