In this thought-provoking and meticulously researched book, Robert Dale Owen provides a comprehensive analysis of the contentious issue of slavery in the United States. Owen argues that slavery is both morally wrong and economically unsustainable, and he presents a compelling case for the immediate emancipation of enslaved individuals.
Throughout the book, Owen draws on historical evidence and moral philosophy to support his argument for ending slavery. He addresses common pro-slavery arguments, such as the belief in racial inferiority, and effectively dismantles them with logic and reason. Owen also explores the potential social and economic implications of emancipation, highlighting the benefits of a free labor system for both African Americans and the nation as a whole.
One of the most compelling aspects of Owen's book is his vision for the future of the African race in the United States. He advocates for the full integration of formerly enslaved individuals into society, emphasizing the importance of education, economic opportunity, and political equality. Owen's optimism and belief in the innate potential of all individuals to flourish once freed from the shackles of slavery is truly inspiring.
Overall, Wrong of Slavery, the Right of Emancipation, and the Future of the African Race in the United States is a powerful and persuasive work that challenges readers to confront the injustices of the past and envision a more equitable future. Owen's impassioned plea for the abolition of slavery and the full emancipation of the African American community is as relevant today as it was when the book was first published. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of slavery and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
Book Description:
"The Wrong of Slavery" is a work written by Robert Dale Owen based largely off of the work of the Freedmen's Inquiry Commission where he served. It traces the early beginnings of the slave trade from its English beginning to the United States Civil War. It puts a focus on the barbarism of the slave trade from capture and transportation to the arrival in the Americas, the extreme cruelties that took place in the West Indies and South America, facts about slavery in the United States, and the advantages of a freed black population to the South.