Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America (Studies in Legal History)
$20.15
Description
Book Synopsis: Birthright Citizens tells how African American activists radically transformed the terms of citizenship for all Americans. Before the Civil War, colonization schemes and black laws threatened to deport former slaves born in the United States. Birthright Citizens recovers the story of how African American activists remade national belonging through battles in legislatures, conventions, and courthouses. They faced formidable opposition, most notoriously from the US Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott. Still, Martha S. Jones explains, no single case defined their status. Former slaves studied law, secured allies, and conducted themselves like citizens, establishing their status through local, everyday claims. All along they argued that birth guaranteed their rights. With fresh archival sources and an ambitious reframing of constitutional law-making before the Civil War, Jones shows how when the Fourteenth Amendment constitutionalized the birthright principle, the aspirations of black Americans' aspirations were realized.
Details
Discover the untold story of African American activists who reshaped American citizenship in Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America. This compelling book delves into the battles fought in legislatures, conventions, and courthouses by African American activists to secure their rights as citizens in a country that once threatened to deport them. Through extensive research and a reframing of constitutional law-making, author Martha S. Jones reveals how these activists achieved their goal of constitutionalizing the birthright principle in the Fourteenth Amendment, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the history of civil rights.
Uncover the remarkable journey of former slaves who defied the odds and claimed their birthright through local, everyday actions in Birthright Citizens. Martha S. Jones paints a vivid picture of their struggles, as they not only had to overcome formidable opposition, including the infamous Dred Scott case, but also had to fight against colonization schemes and oppressive black laws. Drawing on fresh archival sources and legal history, this book showcases the resilience and determination of African American activists who fought for their rightful place in society.
With Birthright Citizens, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the aspirations of black Americans were realized through their unwavering commitment to the belief that birth guaranteed their rights. Jones' exploration of their legal studies, alliances, and everyday actions paints a comprehensive picture of the struggle and triumph that reshaped the very definition of American citizenship. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking book that offers a fresh perspective on an essential era in American history.
Ready to delve into the rich history of African American activism and its impact on citizenship rights? Grab your copy of Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America today and join the journey of those who fought to secure their birthright. Let this eye-opening book take you on an illuminating journey through the struggles, victories, and legal battles that reshaped the landscape of civil rights in America. Order now!
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