America’s Long Struggle Against Slavery

By: Richard Bell, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Richard Bell

What do you really know about the fight against slavery in America? We’re all familiar with the Underground Railroad and the Emancipation Proclamation, but the fight against slavery was not some sudden movement that sprang up in the middle of the 19th century. Resistance from the enslaved started on the western coast of Africa in the 15th century and continued as the institution of slavery was codified in America, culminating with the War between the States.

This 300-year struggle has too often been glossed over by history books enamored with American ingenuity, Manifest Destiny, and tales of Revolutionary freedom. But to understand America - to fully understand our country today - one must examine the whole history of struggle, oppression, and resistance, not only by famous figures like Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman, but also by an enormous and often unfamiliar cast of characters, including:

• The “saltwater slaves” who revolted aboard slave ships;
• Phibbah Thistlewood, a woman who made the best of her situation to bridge the gap between her master and her fellow slaves;
• David Walker, Nat Turner, and other figures calling for immediate, urgent action; and
• Northern Quakers who changed the political tide. What these disparate figures had in common was they gradually coalesced into a movement. Individuals gradually organized, and then the abolitionist movement led to war which led, in theory, to freedom.

America’s Long Struggle Against Slavery is your chance to survey the history of the American anti-slavery movement, from the dawn of the transatlantic slave trade during the late 15th century to the end of Reconstruction in 1877 and beyond. Taught by Professor Richard Bell of the University of Maryland, these 30 eye-opening lectures give you an up-close view of a venal institution and the people who fought against it - and who often paid for their courage with their lives.

This Great Course is a must-have for scholars and history buffs alike. As Professor Bell examines the different means and methods that Americans, white and black, have used to escape slavery, he presents the grand problems that animated everyone engaged in this great struggle.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 The Great Courses (P)2020 The Teaching Company, LLC

Horrifying, heartbreaking, full of courageous people

This clear, engrossing lecture series tracks the horrific treatment of our fellow human beings from prehistory to the present. It’s hard to hear, but essential to know. Listen to the very last moment—we can create the change to end all forms of slavery that exist today in our country right under our noses.

By Far the Best Great Course in my Collection

I've been waiting for years for Great Courses to include African American history and this offering was worth the wait! Bell is one of the leading scholars in the field and his delivery is as good as the content of each lecture. I hope he comes on board to offer more topics or more on this one.

Wow, a must for everyone.

This was simply excellent and challenging without comparison. I think everyone should listen to this course to understand what race slavery is and was, and the forms of slavery we still encounter.

One of the best Great Courses

I have listened to many Great Courses and this is first one that has affected me so deeply. I had to put it down in some places and walk away to try and breath then come back to it. It's absolutely shocking how blacks were treated and the worse part is this is a retelling so the true day to day experiences must have been much worse. the last lecture about modern day slavery made me cringe and also made me feel like a coward for not trying to help. this lecture is worth every credit and every minute of listening time.

Compelling, Informative

Normally, I burn out half way through a Great Course audio but I was hooked and listened exclusively to this audio course through the end. An enormous volume of knowledge that was presented in a logical but compelling and intriguing way.