The Suppression of the African Slave Trade to the United States of America: 1638-1870

"The Suppression of the African Slave Trade to the United States of America" by W.E. Burghardt Du Bois is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work explores the efforts made to limit and eventually suppress the slave trade from Africa to the United States, covering a time span from colonial origins through various legislative actions up to the Civil War. The book delves into how different colonies interacted with the slave trade, reflecting broader themes of slavery and economic necessity in America during this period. At the start of the monograph, the author outlines the plan for his comprehensive study, focusing primarily on the legislative attempts to suppress the slave trade from the early colonial era. He explains the interconnectedness of the slave trade with the rise of American slavery, touching on the roles played by different colonies and their economic circumstances. Du Bois notes that the examination will include key historical moments such as the actions surrounding the Constitutional Convention and the significant legislation aimed at curbing the trade from 1807 onward. The opening sets the groundwork for a thorough inquiry into the socio-political dynamics that shaped the perceptions and realities of the African slave trade in the United States.