A Colony of Citizens
Book description
The idea of universal rights is often understood as the product of Europe, but as Laurent Dubois demonstrates, it was profoundly shaped by the struggle over slavery and citizenship in the French Caribbean. Dubois examines this Caribbean revolution by focusing on Guadeloupe, where, in the early 1790s, insurgents on the…
Why read it?
1 author picked A Colony of Citizens as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
During the Age of Revolution, enslaved and formerly enslaved residents of the French Caribbean were among those who most vigorously insisted that the “rights of man” were universal. This book focuses on the colony of Guadeloupe, though Laurent Dubois has written about the Haitian Revolution as well, an event that resulted in the first nation in the Americas to outlaw human enslavement. Enslaved and free Afro-French men and women engaged colonial assemblies and militias to stake their claims to the rights of citizenship. As they endeavored to turn Enlightenment ideals into political realities, Afro-Americans in the Caribbean championed the rise…
From Christina's list on African Americans who shaped democracy in America.
Want books like A Colony of Citizens?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like A Colony of Citizens.
Browse books like A Colony of Citizens
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in slave rebellions, slaves, and liberty?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about slave rebellions, slaves, and liberty.