The War Before the War
Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul
Thursday, March 26, 2020 · 4 - 5 PM
(Canceled)
Andrew Delbanco, Alexander Hamilton Professor of American Studies at Columbia University and President of The Teagle Foundation
Andrew Delbanco’s new book, The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America’s Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War, tells the story of America’s original sin—slavery—through politics, law, literature, and above all, through the eyes of enslaved black people who risked their lives to flee from bondage, thereby forcing the nation to confront the truth about itself. The struggle over slavery divided not only the American nation but also the hearts and minds of individual citizens faced with the timeless problem of when to submit to unjust laws and when to resist. Delbanco will speak about what brought Americans to war with themselves, and will touch on some of the terrible legacies of slavery that are with us still.
Book signing and reception will follow the program.
Andrew Delbanco’s new book, The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America’s Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War, tells the story of America’s original sin—slavery—through politics, law, literature, and above all, through the eyes of enslaved black people who risked their lives to flee from bondage, thereby forcing the nation to confront the truth about itself. The struggle over slavery divided not only the American nation but also the hearts and minds of individual citizens faced with the timeless problem of when to submit to unjust laws and when to resist. Delbanco will speak about what brought Americans to war with themselves, and will touch on some of the terrible legacies of slavery that are with us still.
Book signing and reception will follow the program.
Sponsored by the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; the Department of History; and the Dresher Center for the Humanities.
UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accommodations, please contact at dreshercenter@umbc.edu
Photo courtesy of the speaker.
[image: A cartoon drawing of a dark figure carrying a bag over his shoulder. Behind him is the American flag]