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White Slavery in the Barbary States   By: (1811-1874)

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In "White Slavery in the Barbary States," Charles Sumner presents a compelling and eye-opening account of a dark chapter in history that is often overlooked or unknown to many. Sumner's thorough research and meticulous attention to detail shed light on the widespread practice of white slavery in the Barbary States during the 16th to 19th centuries, and the significant impact it had on European and American societies.

One aspect that stands out in Sumner's work is his ability to provide a comprehensive historical backdrop, establishing the context in which the Barbary slave trade thrived. He delves into the geopolitical dynamics of the Mediterranean region, examining the relationships between the Ottoman Empire, European powers, and the Barbary States. This analysis enriches the readers' understanding of the multifaceted factors that enabled the systematic enslavement of Europeans by North African pirates and states.

Sumner's research is extensive, drawing from a wealth of primary sources including meticulous records, firsthand accounts, and government documents. Through these sources, he paints a vivid and harrowing picture of the experiences of those enslaved in the Barbary States. The book explores the methods used to capture slaves, the brutal conditions they endured, and the various forms of exploitation they suffered. By highlighting specific individuals and their stories, Sumner humanizes the victims of this heinous practice, making their plight all the more poignant and distressing.

Moreover, Sumner astutely addresses the complex and often overlooked racial dynamics involved in white slavery. By analyzing the response of European and American societies to this form of bondage, he brings to the forefront issues of racial stereotyping, the dehumanization of non-European peoples, and the contradiction between nations calling for the abolition of slavery while accepting the enslavement of their own citizens abroad. This analysis helps contextualize the broader discussions on race, power, and colonialism that were prevalent during the time.

While the book is incredibly informative and thought-provoking, it can at times feel dense and overly detailed, potentially overwhelming readers who have limited prior knowledge of the subject. Additionally, some readers may find the book lacks a coherent theme or overarching argument, as Sumner often allows the historical events to speak for themselves. However, this approach effectively presents a comprehensive and objective account of the white slavery phenomenon.

In conclusion, "White Slavery in the Barbary States" is a meticulously researched and illuminating work that brings one of history's least known and often misunderstood topics into the spotlight. Charles Sumner's detailed examination of the Barbary slave trade sheds light on the suffering endured by Europeans, challenges preconceived notions of slavery, and provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of this period in history. By delving into such a crucial and overlooked subject, Sumner has produced a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike.

First Page:

WHITE SLAVERY

IN

THE BARBARY STATES.

BY

CHARLES SUMNER.

Mutato nomine, de te Fabula narratur.

HORACE

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS, Chap. ii. v. 3.

BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY JOHN P. JEWETT AND COMPANY.

CLEVELAND, OHIO: JEWETT, PROCTOR, AND WORTHINGTON.

LONDON: LOW AND COMPANY.

1853.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by

JOHN P. JEWETT AND COMPANY,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court

of the District of Massachusetts.

ORIGINAL DESIGNS BY BILLINGS.

ENGRAVED BY BAKER, SMITH, AND ANDREW.

STEREOTYPED AT THE

BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

GEO. C. RAND, PRINTER, CORNHILL.

[Illustration]

WHITE SLAVERY

in the

BARBARY STATES.

History has been sometimes called a gallery, where, in living forms, are preserved the scenes, the incidents, and the characters of the past. It may also be called the world's great charnel house, where are gathered coffins, dead men's bones, and all the uncleanness of the years that have fled. As we walk among its pictures, radiant with the inspiration of virtue and of freedom, we confess a new impulse to beneficent exertion... Continue reading book >>




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