The Side That Won the Civil War is Now Banning Books About Why the Civil War Was Fought
The article discusses the ongoing censorship of literature related to the Civil War and slavery in the United States. It highlights how a recent government order has led to the removal of books and materials that present negative aspects of American history. The author reflects on the irony of their own book being censored despite its hopeful narrative about enslaved people's pursuit of freedom.
- ▪In the past, the South censored literature that portrayed slavery negatively, including banning abolitionist newspapers.
- ▪A recent order by the U.S. government has led to the removal of books related to Black leaders and other materials deemed inappropriate.
- ▪The author's book, which details the role of enslaved people in achieving their freedom, is not available in national park bookstores due to its content.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
In the days before the Civil War, the South worked hard to censor any literature that cast slavery in a negative light. Officials in Charleston, S.C. went through mailbags for abolitionist newspapers. Legislatures passed laws banning any publication that may show “a tendency to make our slaves discontented.” In Maryland, the Rev. Jacob Gruber was prosecuted for daring to preach a sermon that hinted that slavery might be sinful. Anyone found with a copy of the explosive novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin was subject to arrest.Article continues after advertisement(new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=546998bb-b9c0-4480-8c91-3e307220efff&cid=86b7c382-5e20-4129-84db-dea768f4d688'; cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "546998bb-b9c0-4480-8c91-3e307220efff"…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Literary Hub.
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