Black American refugees in Nova Scotia, 1813--1840.
Date
2003
Authors
Whitfield, Harvey A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Dalhousie University
Abstract
Description
This thesis examines the immigration and settlement in Nova Scotia of the War of 1812 African Americans. It challenges previous historians' arguments that these immigrants were the pawns of white philanthropy or pathetic wards of the colonial government. The thesis attempts to understand these African Americans' history by recognising their agency and ability to control their own destinies. The War of 1812 blacks are placed within a complex framework that explores their work patterns, material conditions, family structure, community institutions, and relations with the white community in Nova Scotia during the early nineteenth century. These immigrants hoped to find meaningful freedom in Nova Scotia through work and the formation of viable communities. Yet, poor economic conditions and racial discrimination circumscribed their understanding of freedom. Despite these obstacles, by 1840, the War of 1812 blacks had created stable families and communities.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Dalhousie University (Canada), 2003.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Dalhousie University (Canada), 2003.
Keywords
History, Black., History, Canadian., Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies.