For a century and a half; Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation has been the dominant narrative of African American freedom in the Civil War era. However; David Williams suggests that this portrayal marginalizes the role that African American slaves played in freeing themselves. At the Civil War's outset; Lincoln made clear his intent was to save the Union rather than free slaves - despite his personal distaste for slavery; he claimed no authority to interfere with the institution. By the second year of the war; though; when the Union army was in desperate need of black support; former slaves who escaped to Union lines struck a bargain: they would fight for the Union if it committed itself to freedom. Williams importantly demonstrates that freedom was not simply the absence of slavery but rather a dynamic process enacted by self-emancipated African American refugees; which compelled Lincoln to modify his war aims and place black freedom at the center of his wartime policies.
Allsopp Frederick William 2009-08-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .50 x 5.98l; .87 #File Name: 1104936844152 pagesThe Life Story of Albert Pike 1920
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Needs editingBy William HoslerThe book itself contains much useful information (Although I wonder if some of it wasn't exaggerated to further promote Pikes greatness. The Kindle edition needs editing.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Lucy RoperCertainly worth the price. He was an interesting fellow.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Basics on Albert PikeBy Darrell UppIf you are looking for a good introduction to Albert Pike; this is the book to get. It was published at a time when he still existed in living memories. It is a likable book; but it does not possess a great deal of depth of the character or actions of the great adventurer.
