The Problem of Slavery

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes "Slavery: A Problem in American Institutional and Intellectual Life" by Stanley M. Elkins. The paper reports that this look at slavery is the author's attempt to look at the institution critically and compare it with other types of slavery around the world, to discover why American slavery was so emotionally arguable and influential on African-Americans.

From the Paper:

"The author offers several important arguments to back up his position, that slavery was a problem for American slaves, more so than in other countries. In fact, he argues that the strong sentiment against slavery in America was "all moral," rather than scientific and unemotional. He notes early in the book, "It was a problem of conscience which by mid-century would fasten itself in one form or another, and in varying degrees, upon men's feelings everywhere" (Elkins, 1959, p. 28). Elkins feels slavery could have been viewed less emotionally and more realistically as an institution, rather than an ethical or moral dilemma, and this is one of the most important arguments in his book, which sets the stage for the rest of his writing."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Elkins, Stanley M. (1959). Slavery: A problem in American institutional and intellectual life. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

More papers on The Problem of Slavery:

• Term Paper # 150405 : "Thomas Jefferson and the Problem of Slavery"
• Comparison Essay # 114923 : "The Era of Slavery"
• Term Paper # 115649 : "Human Trafficking and Reduction of the Problem"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: