In the early nineteenth century; the American Colonization Society was formed for the purpose of encouraging emigration of free blacks to Africa. While intent on ridding the United States of what the Society's members saw as a dangerous black population; the association also attracted some liberals who viewed its goals as an incentive toward emancipation. Attitudes among African Americans toward colonization were varied; some viewing it as an opportunity to start new lives in a free country and others seeing in it a deceptive scheme of the white man. But when the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 put the freedom of every person of African descent in jeopardy; many began to consider emigration their only option. This collection of historic documents illuminates the debate on emigration through the narratives of four black men who in 1853 traveled to the new black nation of Liberia. Their accounts offer surprisingly different views and insights on the young country and provide both endorsements and condemnations of the colonization effort. Liberian Dreams contains four selections that have never before been published in a single volume: William Nesbit's attack on Liberia and its sponsors; Samuel Williams's spirited defense of the black republic in response to Nesbit; Daniel Peterson's pro-emigration tract commissioned by the ACS; and Augustus Washington's balanced critique of both sides of the issue. Each account offers a perspective not found in the others; and together they cover nearly the full range of debate among black Americans of that time. These narratives shed light not only on the experience of creating a new country but also on the conflict among African Americans over the colonization effort; and they offer a unique opportunity to witness African Americans encountering Africans and their cultures. The selection by Augustus Washington in particular reveals the insights of an educated community activist with a sure understanding of the issues at stake. Historian Wilson Moses; who has published widely on African American history and black nationalism; provides an introduction that expertly places the selections in context.
#473535 in Books 1992-12-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .80 x 5.38l; .60 #File Name: 0268011516238 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Terrific book on a rare subjectBy Alan G. HartmanThis is the only book that I've found that really discusses the creation of the Cathoilc Church in New York City as a result of the masses of Irish and German immigrants that came to the United States in the 1840s and 1850s; precisely the time when my Irish and German ancestors also came to NYC. This text provides a clear; informative; and very well structured account of the building of the Catholic Church in the city 1840s-1870s as well as terrific insight into what led to the creation of many of the parishes and Catholic institutions that still define the lived experience of many New York Catholics today. Readers who are very familiar with Manhattan - as I am - will also enjoy tracing familiar areas but with entirely new insight. I've not been to the Lower East Side or Chinatown once yet since reading this book without thinking about the Irish and German communities there that I learned about through this book; particularly as many of the Churches mentioned in this book are still standing.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must-have bookBy History MajorThis is a must-have book for anyone interested in the history of New York City in general and its Irish and German immigrants in particular. I refer to it constantly. It is well researched; well documented and well written. Jay Dolan tells the story in a manner that is both useful for historians and interesting for general readers.The price on was one penny. A used copy but in excellent condition. I really couldn't believe it. Postage was $3.99.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Early Irish and German Parishes (NYC)By Anastasia McKeeEffectively a reprise of Dolan's doctoral dissertation; but very well done. A few helpful maps of early churches and their locations in New York City. Useful as a handbook.
