The Other Slavery Book Summary - The Other Slavery Book explained in key points

The Other Slavery summary

Andrés Reséndez

Brief summary

The Other Slavery by Andrés Reséndez is a historical exploration of the enslavement of indigenous people in the Americas, shedding light on an overlooked chapter of colonial history and its lasting impact on indigenous communities.

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    The Other Slavery
    Summary of key ideas

    The Enslavement of Native Americans

    In The Other Slavery, Andrés Reséndez recounts the often ignored history of the enslavement of Native Americans. He starts by illuminating that, even before the arrival of Europeans, native tribes were already practicing slavery, albeit in a different form. It was Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World that escalated the enslavement.

    This began with the Spaniards, who captured native people, subjected them to forced labor, sold them as slaves, and exported them to other parts of the world. Reséndez mentions how colonial officials gave the Spaniards the right to conscript locals for forced labor as part of the encomienda system, which further perpetuated enslavement.

    The Subjugation under Different Names

    Reséndez then explains how native Americans were subjugated under different guises besides outright slavery. This included forms like repartimiento, giving colonists the right to native labor; encomienda, allegedly a system of protection and conversion; and peonage, or debt slavery. He emphasizes how these so-called different systems, while not explicitly called slavery, had the same effect: the subjugation and forced labor of Native Americans.

    Reséndez also speaks about how the American government, denying the existence of Native American slavery, continued the practice through the guise of Indian apprenticeship. This allowed white settlers to take Native children under the premise of providing them with education and training, while essentially keeping them as slaves.

    Endurance and Resistance of the Enslaved

    The author then shifts the spotlight onto the resistance of the natives and their struggles for freedom. He touches upon how enslaved natives actively resisted their masters through means such as escaping, rebelling, and even suicide. He introduces us to the Pueblo Revolt, a significant uprising in 1680, where Pueblo Indians in modern New Mexico successfully overthrew Spanish rule for over a decade.

    Reséndez also describes the lives of individuals who survived enslavement, drawing attention to their resilience and spirit in the face of unimaginable hardships. He recounts tales of some enslaved Native Americans who managed to escape their servitude and return to their homelands, contributing to cultural survival.

    The Unresolved Legacy of Native American Slavery

    Wrapping up, Reséndez delves into the impact this vast system of Native American enslavement has left, its echoes felt even today. To highlight this, he examines the existing economic disparities and social challenges that many Native American communities continue to face.

    In conclusion, The Other Slavery precisely outlines the enslavement of Native Americans, a topic often overshadowed by the African slave trade. With detailed accounts and deep insights, Andrés Reséndez brings to light an important, albeit unpleasant, aspect of history, promoting understanding and empathy towards the trials of the Native Americans.

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    What is The Other Slavery about?

    The Other Slavery uncovers the lesser-known history of indigenous slavery in the Americas. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Andrés Reséndez reveals the brutal reality of forced labor and exploitation endured by millions of native peoples, challenging our understanding of the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impact on the world. This eye-opening book sheds light on a dark chapter in history and calls for a reexamination of the global legacy of slavery.

    The Other Slavery Review

    The Other Slavery (2016) sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of American history, uncovering the widespread enslavement of indigenous peoples in the Americas. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, it exposes the brutal reality of indigenous enslavement, challenging traditional narratives.
    • Through eye-opening accounts and historical evidence, it reveals the extent to which native populations were subjected to forced labor and exploitation.
    • Reséndez's exploration of the long-lasting consequences of this enslavement serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by indigenous communities.

    Who should read The Other Slavery?

    • History buffs curious about lesser-known aspects of slavery
    • Those interested in understanding the extent and impact of slavery throughout the Americas
    • Readers who appreciate a well-researched and thought-provoking analysis of a complex historical issue

    About the Author

    Andrés Reséndez is a historian and author who specializes in the history of the Americas. He has written several books on the subject, including "A Land So Strange" and "Changing National Identities at the Frontier." Reséndez's most notable work is "The Other Slavery," which explores the lesser-known history of indigenous enslavement in the Americas. His research sheds light on the widespread and brutal practice of enslaving native peoples, challenging traditional narratives of European colonization. Reséndez's work has received critical acclaim and has been recognized with numerous awards.

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    The Other Slavery FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Other Slavery?

    The main message of The Other Slavery is the untold history of Native American enslavement in the Americas.

    How long does it take to read The Other Slavery?

    The reading time for The Other Slavery varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Other Slavery a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Other Slavery is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on a forgotten part of history. It is definitely worth reading.

    Who is the author of The Other Slavery?

    The author of The Other Slavery is Andrés Reséndez.

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