Slavery and Freedom

Focusing on the complex relationship between slavery and freedom, this interpretation reveals how these concepts were deeply intertwined in Southern life. James Oakes explores the dynamics between masters and slaves, as well as the interactions among slaveholders and non-slaveholders, highlighting the emergence of a racist ideology. This analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the societal structures in the slaveholding South, challenging conventional views on the dichotomy of freedom and enslavement.