Although it never had a plantation-based economy; the RÃo de la Plata region; comprising present-day Argentina; Uruguay; and Paraguay; has a long but neglected history of slave trading and slavery. This book analyzes the lives of Africans and their descendants in Montevideo and Buenos Aires from the late colonial era to the first decades of independence. The author shows how the enslaved Africans created social identities based on their common experiences; ranging from surviving together the Atlantic and coastal forced passages on slave vessels to serving as soldiers in the independence-era black battalions. In addition to the slave trade and the military; their participation in black lay brotherhoods; African “nations;†and the lettered culture shaped their social identities. Linking specific regions of Africa to the RÃo de la Plata region; the author also explores the ties of the free black and enslaved populations to the larger society in which they found themselves.
#3349412 in Books Univ of Missouri 2011-07-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.48 x 1.09 x 6.48l; 1.51 #File Name: 0826219209336 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Solid and Compelling Contributiion to Civil War LiteratureBy Peter Joffre NyeAuthor Robert C. Plumb started with a cache of letters written by Pittsburgh native George P. McClelland to his family back home during the Civil War. McClelland; a 19-year-old carpenter apprentice when he enlisted in 1862 in the 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers Regiment; fought as a rifleman in more than his share of major battles--from the Union fiasco in Fredericksburg VA to Gettysburg to the numerous fights that led Union troops to finally take the Confederate capital of Richmond VA in the spring of 1865 and end the war.Robert C. Plumb weaves compelling and well researched accounts around each of the letters; unfolded in 16 highly readable chapters. Each opens with background for the reader to understand where McClelland and his regiment were along the Eastern Seaboard; including politics between generals and President Lincoln; followed by a section about the role of the 155th Pennsylvania Infantry; then McClelland's letter to his siblings; concluding with a section explaining McClelland's references. Some chapters contain several letters.Through all this; McClelland matures as a young soldier whose leadership is recognized in the form of promotions to Sergeant and then Captain. His combat ended in April 1865 when he was severely wounded by a bullet that shattered his femur. His wounds were gushing blood so bad that a surgeon gave up on him; but McClelland survived. After the war he joined an older brother in Davenport; Iowa. George McClelland married in Davenport and became a leader in the growing city. I am in awe of Plumb's research and the care he took in letting us know who McClelland was and his time; which shaped American history.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A splendidly edited and outstanding book..By Clark B. HallAs one who has read hundreds of individual soldier's accounts in preparation for a comprehensive study of the Army of the Potomac's winter encampment (Culpeper County; VA) in 1863-1864; I consider Mr. Robert Plumb's editing of this splendid book to rank at the top of all the published accounts I have ever seen. In particular; the reader does not have to guess what is next in the book simply because Mr. Plumb deftly introduces the principles; events; and his editing notes in a capsule manner throughout his study--an organizational tactic one wishes more editors would adopt . Now; about the letters of wonderful soldier; George McClelland..Put succinctly; these are some of the very best wartime letters that have ever been published. And it helps; by the way; that McClelland is such a likable fellow that we become one with him as he marches; camps; and fights his terrible war. We also nod along with him--and occasionally chuckle--as he comments on the war from an intensely curious and informed perspective. And at the end of the book; we sigh with relief to know that--despite all odds--McClelland made it back home; and thereafter enjoyed a wonderfully loving and honored life. Indeed; George McClelland is the classic definition of the citizen soldier--and there is no greater patriot to be found in any era than that honorable category of men and women who fight for their country; and then carve out a contributive life following proud service.This is a great book; and I recommend it to one and all..5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A brilliant perspective on the Civil WarBy LYNN WRIGHTRobert Plumb's use of the letters written by the young Pennsylvania Union Army infantryman George McClelland provides a fresh; brillant perspective on the Civil War. This is in large part due to the articulate descriptions of the experiences and impressions the young McClelland documented in the 40 letters to his family. And what experiences this young soldier had! Antietam; Fredericksburg; Chancellorsville; Gettysburg; North Anna River; Petersburg; Spotsylvania Court House; North Anna River; and Five Forks Virginia- he saw action in most of the major battles of the war! I found his discussions of the ups and downs of the various generals particularly fascinating. Plumb does a superb job of setting the historic scene before introducing each letter. And then he provides valuable notes to explain the terms used in the letters. Overall; the book provides a unique view of the war- a view through the eyes of a sensitive; observant and articulate young soldier.
