Watch America's Long Struggle against Slavery

America's Long Struggle against Slavery is a highly engaging and informative historical documentary series from The Great Courses Signature Collection. This series explores the complex and tumultuous history of slavery in the United States, spanning from its roots in colonial America to the end of the Civil War and the subsequent Reconstruction era.

At the center of the series is Richard Bell, an accomplished historian and a professor of history at the University of Maryland. Bell brings his extensive knowledge and passion for history to the series, providing insightful commentary on the events and actors that shaped the long struggle against slavery in America.

The series is divided into 24 half-hour episodes, each exploring a different aspect of the history of slavery and its abolition in the United States. Bell begins by examining the origins of slavery in America, tracing its roots to the arrival of the first African slaves in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619, and the subsequent growth of the transatlantic slave trade.

From there, the series examines the rise of the abolitionist movement in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the various political, social, and cultural forces that contributed to its success. Bell highlights the critical role played by black activists and intellectuals such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth, who used their voices and their actions to fight for the rights and freedoms of enslaved Africans and African Americans.

The series also delves into the political and legal battles that were waged over the issue of slavery, including the Missouri Compromise, the Dred Scott decision, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Bell explains how these key moments in American history helped to shape attitudes towards slavery and race, and paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery.

Throughout the series, Bell paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life as a slave in America, and the many ways in which enslaved people resisted their oppression, whether through acts of rebellion, running away, or simply refusing to accept their status as property. He also highlights the contributions of ordinary Americans, both black and white, who played a crucial role in the struggle against slavery, from the Underground Railroad to the armies of the Union and the many volunteers who supported the cause of abolition.

America's Long Struggle against Slavery is a rich and rewarding history of one of the most important and challenging chapters in American history. Its engaging storytelling, insightful commentary, and thorough research make it an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the legacy of slavery and its enduring impact on American society.

America's Long Struggle against Slavery is a series that ran for 1 seasons (30 episodes) between May 22, 2020 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection