Slavery and Abolitionism on Cape Cod: A Massachusetts Incongruity
From the era of the Puritans right through to the end of the Revolutionary War, Boston was a
central hub for the slave trade. Slaves were brought on board ships from the African coast with
regularity, often mastered by Cape Cod Sea captains. The number of slaves per
household was much smaller in the Northeast as compared to the South, yet nonetheless, a
much-needed labor force was desired, reaching its zenith when our nation first officially
started.
The book discusses religious views, political platforms, economic factors, and social movements
that existed during the pre-Civil War period. We gain an insight into the thinking of the day.
Sharing several profiles of notable Black slaves living in Massachusetts demonstrates the
enormous contributions made to the overall growth of our country.