Slavery has been a part of human history almost as long as people have existed. The stories of slaves who influenced their times make fascinating reading. In America, we think of enslaved blacks, but we actually are familiar with slaves from all over the world. Reading slavery biography online is a good way to learn about important events and people.
Today students of history have a great starting point - the internet. Biographical sites briefly describe historic people, sayingwhy they were famous and listing their basic accomplishments. Those who were literate often wrote of their lives as well as other works. Others are known through historic records (one slave was mentioned on a stele, a stone monument) or news reports. Anthropologists seek out survivors of things like slavery, interview them, and record their stories for posterity.
Many of the best known slaves were in ancient times, before America was even 'discovered'. Aesop, the author of the fables most children read, was a slave. Spartacus was a gladiator, and a slave, who led a slave revolt against Rome. Saint Patrick, slayer of the dragon, was an English boy captured by raiders and enslaved in Ireland. He later escaped back to England, returned to Ireland as a missionary, and converted the country to Christianity.
Moses, who led the descendants of Abraham out of Egyptian slavery and who wrote much of the bible, was born a slave. He was raised as a son in Pharaoh's household, but later escaped arrest for murder by fleeing to the wilderness, where he became a shepherd. When he returned, he freed his people under God's direction. Moses' biography is the Bible.
Anyone who wants more information than can be found online at the biographical sites can just keep searching. Speeches, letters, news accounts, biographies, poetry, and other records reveal the people who were enslaved but still made an impact. Many accounts come from family members, friends, or neighbors, just as happens with people and events today.
Dred Scott sued for his freedom and that of his family. Although he was unsuccessful, public opinion was on his side and this helped further the cause of emancipation for all blacks. A young slave named Celia killed her abusive master and was tried for his murder. Margaret Garner, a slave who escaped with her husband and children, was tried for the murder of her young daughter, whom she killed during their recapture. She preferred to see her children dead than returned as slaves.
Not all slaves were black. Some early European explorers were enslaved by indigenous peoples. Many women and children were captured and enslaved by American Indians on the frontier. Ann Calhoun was captured at age 4 and rescued at age 7. The history of the West is full of harrowing tales of escape and rescue; John Wayne is our poster child for these heroic deeds.
Some of the most poignant accounts are told by the people themselves, like the 'Ain't I a woman?' speech given by Sojourner Truth, a former New York slave who became an ardent abolitionist. Frederick Douglas, an escaped slave from Maryland who became a writer, orator, and civil servant, was one of the most prominent voices for social reform - the end of slavery, women's rights, and fair treatment of Irish immigrants. The contribution to our culture made by slaves throughout the ages is remarkable.
Today students of history have a great starting point - the internet. Biographical sites briefly describe historic people, sayingwhy they were famous and listing their basic accomplishments. Those who were literate often wrote of their lives as well as other works. Others are known through historic records (one slave was mentioned on a stele, a stone monument) or news reports. Anthropologists seek out survivors of things like slavery, interview them, and record their stories for posterity.
Many of the best known slaves were in ancient times, before America was even 'discovered'. Aesop, the author of the fables most children read, was a slave. Spartacus was a gladiator, and a slave, who led a slave revolt against Rome. Saint Patrick, slayer of the dragon, was an English boy captured by raiders and enslaved in Ireland. He later escaped back to England, returned to Ireland as a missionary, and converted the country to Christianity.
Moses, who led the descendants of Abraham out of Egyptian slavery and who wrote much of the bible, was born a slave. He was raised as a son in Pharaoh's household, but later escaped arrest for murder by fleeing to the wilderness, where he became a shepherd. When he returned, he freed his people under God's direction. Moses' biography is the Bible.
Anyone who wants more information than can be found online at the biographical sites can just keep searching. Speeches, letters, news accounts, biographies, poetry, and other records reveal the people who were enslaved but still made an impact. Many accounts come from family members, friends, or neighbors, just as happens with people and events today.
Dred Scott sued for his freedom and that of his family. Although he was unsuccessful, public opinion was on his side and this helped further the cause of emancipation for all blacks. A young slave named Celia killed her abusive master and was tried for his murder. Margaret Garner, a slave who escaped with her husband and children, was tried for the murder of her young daughter, whom she killed during their recapture. She preferred to see her children dead than returned as slaves.
Not all slaves were black. Some early European explorers were enslaved by indigenous peoples. Many women and children were captured and enslaved by American Indians on the frontier. Ann Calhoun was captured at age 4 and rescued at age 7. The history of the West is full of harrowing tales of escape and rescue; John Wayne is our poster child for these heroic deeds.
Some of the most poignant accounts are told by the people themselves, like the 'Ain't I a woman?' speech given by Sojourner Truth, a former New York slave who became an ardent abolitionist. Frederick Douglas, an escaped slave from Maryland who became a writer, orator, and civil servant, was one of the most prominent voices for social reform - the end of slavery, women's rights, and fair treatment of Irish immigrants. The contribution to our culture made by slaves throughout the ages is remarkable.
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