The abolition of slavery itself, while due in part to direct moral appeal and political sagacity, was largely the result of the economic collapse of the large-farming slave system.
W.E.B. Du Bois: “The abolition of slavery itself, while due in part to direct moral appeal and political sagacity, was largely the result…”
Editor's note · Context
This statement reflects Du Bois's view that the abolition of slavery was driven by economic factors as much as moral ones.
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More from W.E.B. Du Bois
Away back in the days of bondage they thought to see in one divine event the end of all doubt and disappointment; few men ever worshipped Freedom with half such unquestioning faith as did the American Negro for two centuries.
Away with the black man’s ballot, by force or fraud,—and behold the suicide of a race!
By 1830 slavery seemed hopelessly fastened on the South, and the slaves thoroughly cowed into submission.
He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face.