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They Were Her Property summary
Brief summary
They Were Her Property by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers sheds light on the role of white women in American slavery, challenging the common narrative that they were mere bystanders. This thought-provoking book reveals the active and often brutal participation of white women in the institution.
Table of Contents
They Were Her Property
Summary of key ideas
Female Slaveholders
In They Were Her Property, Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers dismantles the prevailing view of women, particularly white southern women, as unaware or passive participants in the institution of slavery. Instead, she shows them as active and willing contributors. Jones-Rogers dives into a wealth of accounts, interviews, and documents, demonstrating how white women were effectively and economically involved in slavery, whether by owning slaves, leasing, or even trading them.
From an early age, these white women were educated about the financial aspects of owning slaves. Young girls received human beings as gifts or inheritances, formalizing their participation in the system. They went on to use slaves as their personal collateral, securing their economic independence, and enhancing their bargaining power within their marriages and the wider society.
Wilful Participation
By pulling together compelling accounts from formerly enslaved people, Jones-Rogers illustrates the severe treatment that enslaved individuals often received from these female slaveholders. The testimony contradicts the stereotype of the caring mistress, revealing disturbing punishments, deprivations and abuses inflicted out of spite, often jealousy, and sometimes purely for economic gain.
The narratives also highlight the manipulative side of these women. They were seen using their femininity and positions in society as wives and mothers to their advantage, projecting a seemingly harmless image and masking their underlying ruthlessness.
The Civil War Impact
As Jones-Rogers takes us to the Civil War, she explores these women's resilient commitment to slavery. Women played a significant role in the war, offering their resources, including their slaves, for the Confederate cause. They went to great lengths to hold on to their enslaved humans, even through the tumultuous period of war and emancipation.
Post-war, these former white female slaveholders attempted to regain control over their former slaves by manipulating labor contracts to mimic the conditions of slavery. When unsuccessful, they often turned to violence, creating further tension in the already strained post-war Southern society.
Legacy of White Women's Economic Participation
In conclusion, They Were Her Property upends traditional narratives of American enslavement, highlighting the active involvement of white southern women in slavery's brutal economic system. Jones-Rogers paints a detailed, intimate picture of white women as economically astute and legally savvy, challenging the idea of their economic and legal obliviousness or passivity.
This comprehensive analysis forces us to confront the important role white women played in perpetuating and profiting from slavery, a role that carried significant implications not only for the enslaved but for the economic and social dynamics of the entire country–implications that continue to echo today.
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What is They Were Her Property about?
This book explores the untold history of white women slave owners in the American South. Drawing on extensive research, Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers reveals how these women actively participated in and benefited from the institution of slavery, challenging the traditional narrative of passive bystanders. Through compelling stories and analysis, the book sheds light on the complex dynamics of power and control within the slaveholding society. It offers a thought-provoking examination of the role of gender and race in shaping the history of American slavery.
They Were Her Property Review
They Were Her Property (2019) uncovers the hidden reality of enslaved women who owned other human beings. Reasons to delve into this eye-opening book:
- It challenges the prevailing narrative by revealing that enslaved women were active participants in the slave trade, exerting power and control.
- The book provides meticulous research and extensive evidence, shedding light on the lives of enslaved women and their role in perpetuating the institution of slavery.
- By highlighting the stories of individual enslaved women, it offers a humanistic approach, engaging readers on a personal level and humanizing a dark chapter in history.
Who should read They Were Her Property?
- Readers interested in the history of slavery and its impact on American society
- Those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the institution of slavery and the experiences of enslaved women
- Individuals who appreciate well-researched and thought-provoking books on social history
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They Were Her Property FAQs
What is the main message of They Were Her Property?
To expose the role of white women in upholding slavery and the brutality they inflicted on enslaved people.
How long does it take to read They Were Her Property?
The reading time for They Were Her Property varies depending on the reader's speed. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is They Were Her Property a good book? Is it worth reading?
They Were Her Property is a profound and eye-opening book that challenges traditional narratives of slavery. A must-read for understanding the complex history of slavery.
Who is the author of They Were Her Property?
Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers is the author of They Were Her Property.
How many chapters are in They Were Her Property?
They Were Her Property has 9 chapters.
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
How many pages are in They Were Her Property?
They Were Her Property contains 320 pages.
When was They Were Her Property published?
They Were Her Property was published in 2019.
What is the main message of They Were Her Property?
To expose the role of white women in perpetuating slavery in the United States.
How long does it take to read They Were Her Property?
The estimated reading time for They Were Her Property is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is They Were Her Property a good book? Is it worth reading?
They Were Her Property is worth reading as it sheds light on the overlooked history of white women's involvement in slavery.
What to read after They Were Her Property?
If you're wondering what to read next after They Were Her Property, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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