Throughout the Civil War; newspaper headlines and stories repeatedly asked some variation of the question posed by the New York Times in 1862; "What shall we do with the negro?" The future status of African Americans was a pressing issue for those in both the North and in the South. Consulting a broad range of contemporary newspapers; magazines; books; army records; government documents; publications of citizens’ organizations; letters; diaries; and other sources; Paul D. Escott examines the attitudes and actions of Northerners and Southerners regarding the future of African Americans after the end of slavery. "What Shall We Do with the Negro?" demonstrates how historians together with our larger national popular culture have wrenched the history of this period from its context in order to portray key figures as heroes or exemplars of national virtue. Escott gives especial critical attention to Abraham Lincoln. Since the civil rights movement; many popular books have treated Lincoln as an icon; a mythical leader with thoroughly modern views on all aspects of race. But; focusing on Lincoln’s policies rather than attempting to divine Lincoln’s intentions from his often ambiguous or cryptic statements; Escott reveals a president who placed a higher priority on reunion than on emancipation; who showed an enduring respect for states’ rights; who assumed that the social status of African Americans would change very slowly in freedom; and who offered major incentives to white Southerners at the expense of the interests of blacks.Escott’s approach reveals the depth of slavery’s influence on society and the pervasiveness of assumptions of white supremacy. "What Shall We Do with the Negro?" serves as a corrective in offering a more realistic; more nuanced; and less celebratory approach to understanding this crucial period in American history.
#704863 in Books University of Virginia Press 1990-03-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.25 x 2.00l; 2.20 #File Name: 0813912660706 pages
Review
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Authoritative but Ponderous Life of MonroeBy Steve FastThis biography is an authoritative account of Monroe's life. Although Monroe seems to have been a highly private person who never wrote about non-political subjects in his letters and left no diary; Ammon writes an amazingly complete review of his life.Another strength of the book is how well Ammon covers the careers of the contenders for the presidency in 1825 (JQ Adams; Crawford; Clay; and Jackson). Most authors tend to be biased in their writings on these polarizing figures; but Ammon is fair in his judgments. He also goes beyond JQA's diary as a source for Crawford; which is a big plus since JQA loathed (probably with good reason) Crawford.The writing is more scholarly than memorable; so it can be tough slogging at points. Also; the book is sparse on analysis and interpretation. It is subtitled "Quest for National Identity;" but I don't see that Ammon makes the case for how Monroe was involved in the creation of the American identity. He is actually much more interested in Monroe's relations with the dying Federalist Party and how the four-way presidential election of 1825 affected Monroe's second term than he is with the formation of a national identity.Overall; the book is well worth reading; but it's not an easy read and Ammon could have done better at relating the significance of Monroe.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. many gems.By nick mastersonthis book was very educational about those times.lots of detail.many gems I loved it.if you want to learn about a period in American history its good to read a biography of the president of that time.this book certainly delivered that.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great biographyBy CustomerVery very good. I knew very little about Monroe before I bought this book. But now; after reading this wonderful biography; I feel like I know much. The author had no apparent political bias. The book was very well researched. Highly recommended.
