Hidden History Series

This series explores the history of the United States from a bottom-up approach and discovers the ways disenfranchised groups have strived to create a more just and equitable society. Under each myth of the great heroes of the United States lies a greater story of common people struggling to build a better world.

Hidden History Series #1: Escaping the American Revolution: How Runaway Slaves Sought Their Own Liberty and Shaped the War

Click here to go to the booklet’s page to read samples from the text and more.

>>Coming 2011<<

Description:

Escaping the American Revolution investigates the role and agency of runaway slaves in the American Revolution – and how their own struggle for independence and liberty led many of them to flee the Patriots and fight with the British. This booklet wrestles with questions such as: Why did tens of thousands of slaves flee a war supposedly being fought for liberty? How did the colonists and the British exploit runaway slaves for their own economic, militaristic, and political gain? How did American slaves resist their bondage and then use their new found freedom as a tool to liberate other slaves? Finally, Escaping asks its readers to consider what this history means for the celebration of the United States’ founding during national holidays (July 4th) as well as in history classes, in museums, on memorials, and more.

Also included within this booklet are resources meant to help readers seek out further information on this history and its legacies – and there are several thought-provoking discussion questions and spaces to work out answers (for individual and/or group use).

Submissions

TESA is currently accepting unsolicited submissions for the Hidden History series. These may range in length anywhere from an essay to a booklet or even a full manuscript. You may e-mail us your submission or a general inquiry (with a description of your subject, etc.) at the following address: brian AT toolboxfored DOT org.

When sending you submissions, please attach it to an e-mail. We accept .PDF, .DOC, .DOCX, and .ODT files. Please always include a brief summary of your work. We look forward to hearing from you!