"Contraband” camps and the development of African American politics, 1860-1865

The Black population of the South acted on anti-slavery convictions learned during their time in bondage by carrying out self-emancipatory actions and running away in massive numbers when the war began.

Grounded in their experiences of slavery, formerly enslaved people forged new lives in freedom behind Union army lines, first as confiscated “contraband” of war in May 1861, and later as wholly freed people. The development of a distinct, African American politics emerged at a regional level in many parts of the South at this time and ultimately at a national level in the final few years of the war. This thesis will argue that through their laboring efforts on behalf of the Union cause, the attainment of an education for themselves and their children, and the pursuance of rights and citizenship for all, Black Southerners practiced politics and fought for their freedom in a way that was progressive, radical, and revolutionary.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2027</i>.