The anti-slavery sentiment of Virginia from 1830-1860

Abstract

Slavery, often described as a "peculiar institution", "black evil", and "inhuman practice", offers one of the most interesting and far-reaching studies of early American history. When viewed in its entirety slavery is found to have had not only economic significance but also political, social, and moral consequences. A subject so vast in its scope has naturally received the focus of attention of many historians, and will continue to be so regarded as new phases, aspects, and results are brought to light.