History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 / Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

15735

Title

History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 / Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

George Washington Williams presents a comprehensive history of African Americans from 1619 to 1880, arguing for their patriotism and heroism. This volume traces the race's journey from ancient African civilizations to the American Revolution, challenging pro-slavery narratives with rigorous historical research and a call for racial equality.

Summary up to 500 words

In *History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880*, George Washington Williams constructs a robust defense of the African American race, countering the era's prevailing prejudices with extensive historical evidence. The work begins with a preliminary consideration of human unity and the antiquity of African civilization. Williams asserts that ancient empires like Meroe and Thebes were centers of high culture that influenced Greece and Rome. He argues that the decline of these civilizations was due to sin and idolatry, not inherent racial inferiority. The narrative progresses to the establishment of English colonies in America, detailing the brutal reality of slavery. Williams highlights the moral contradictions within the founding documents, noting how the Constitution compromised the rights of enslaved people. He documents the anti-slavery agitation, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, emphasizing the matchless patriotism and heroism displayed by Black soldiers and citizens throughout these conflicts. The author utilizes over twelve thousand volumes to provide statistics on military service, education, and the economic impact of slavery, aiming to correct the world's misconceptions about the Negro race and inspire a struggle for full citizenship and manhood. Williams also addresses the decline of African civilizations, attributing it to a forgetfulness of God rather than racial traits. He distinguishes between the 'Negro' and 'African,' noting the diversity of tribes and cultures across the continent. The text details the diplomatic and military struggles of the Ashantee Empire in West Africa, portraying its people as brave, intelligent, and aggressive, challenging the notion of African savagery. Through meticulous research into colonial records and military archives, Williams presents a history where Black people are depicted not as passive victims, but as active participants in the formation of American history, displaying incomparable heroism in the cause of American liberty. The work serves as both a historical record and a plea for the recognition of the dignity and capabilities of the African race.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15735.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg15735.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-06 08:04 UTC

Categories

• Biography
• History