Chapter VIII, The Blacks Summary and Analysis

Blacks are the only ethnic group brought to the United States against their will. Initially, they are from all over Africa and are among the oldest Americans, but are not free until 1863. As a result their history is quite different and their African histories are largely erased. 10 million African slaves are shipped around the world, 400,000 of which end up in the United States; the US had the most slaves of any Western nation.

Slaves are horribly treated but have regular access to low-quality food and housing comparable to the European working class. The slaves are kept in captivity through keeping them completely ignorant and dependent on slave owners. Slaves develop "foot-dragging" and "work-evading" practices because they are under control.

Blacks also develop a strong sense of racial solidarity. Slave communities develop strong community norms; breaking...