"Contraband” camps and the development of African American politics, 1860-1865

Abstract

This thesis explores the development of a grassroots political movement among formerly enslaved people in the U.S. South during the Civil War, primarily in the refugee or “contraband” camps that were established in Union-held territory over the course of the conflict. The Black population of the South acted on anti-slavery convictions learned during their time in bondage by carrying out self-emancipatory actions and running away in massive numbers when the war began. Grounded in their experiences of slavery, formerly enslaved people forged new lives in freedom behind Union army lines, first as confiscated “contraband” of war in May 1861, and later as wholly freed people. The development of a distinct, African American politics emerged at a regional level in many parts of the South at this time and ultimately at a national level in the final few years of the war. This thesis will argue that through their laboring efforts on behalf of the Union cause, the attainment of an education for themselves and their children, and the pursuance of rights and citizenship for all, Black Southerners practiced politics and fought for their freedom in a way that was progressive, radical, and revolutionary.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2027.

Date of Award	Dec 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Brian Kelly (Supervisor) & Nik Ribianszky (Supervisor)