On Slavery, Abolition and Emancipation
Dublin Core
Title
On Slavery, Abolition and Emancipation
Subject
The role of slavery in Anglo-American relations and Civil War diplomacy.
Description
The institution of slavery of the United States was a key contributer to the crisis of secession, and subsequently formed a prominent issue in diplomatic matters of the Civil War. The Union and Confederacy alike both faced difficulties in addressing the subject in interactions with outside powers, Great Britain included. Britain, a nation that had developed strong anti-slavery sentiment watched this area of the conflict wondering if its abolition in North America would be achieved.
Creator
Johnathan Seitz
Date
1860-1865
Collection Items
'Domestic Life in South Carolina'
This scene displayed in the Illustrated London News offers a more idyllic depiction of the nature of Southern society and issues of race. While not explicitly stated, this image may provide a window into the presence of slavery in the structure of…
'John Bull Makes a Discovery'
This print, likely published in the first years of the war, conveys some of the fears Americans had concerning the sympathies and interests of Britain. Would the anti-slavery sympathies that had grown over the course of the 19th century falter in the…
'Letter to William Lloyd Garrison from the Union and Emancipation Society of Manchester, England, September 6, 1864'
In a circular sent to the ardent abolitionist, the Union and Emancipation Society's words reflect the general themes and platforms of such groups in the United Kingdom. Delivered late in the war, it conveys the growing hope of British reformers that…
'King Cotton, Song Sheet'
This song sheet celebrates the actions of the Confederate Army in its early victories against the Northern military. The idea of 'King Cotton' dominates the themes of the song, based upon the strong association between the South and the perceived…
'Abe Lincoln's Last Card; Or Rouge-et-Noir'
Despite some hopes that the announcement of the Lincoln Administrations plans on the matter of emancipation, international doubts over the Union position on slavery remained. This cartoon, a satirical take by Punch, highlights the view in Great…
'Before the Morrill Tariff'
The first in a pair of images printed by Harper's Weekly shortly after the start of the Civil War, focusing on British responses to the recently passed Morrill Tariff. In a move unpopular with foreign industrial producers such as Britain, the U.S.…
'After the Morrill Tariff'
The second of a pair of images printed by Harper's Weekly concerning the British response to the Morril Tariff's passage. This illustration reflects the aftermath of the Tariff, in which the economic interests of the United Kingdom have usurped the…