Mark R. Cheathem Books, Gene Smith, Slavery, War of 1812

Interview with Historian Gene Allen Smith

On Monday, I posted my review of Gene Smith's new book, The Slaves' Gamble: Choosing Sides in the War of 1812. Today, read an interview with Smith about his book and his future research plans. What led you to write The Slaves' Gamble? This book spawned from work with my major professor in graduate school … Continue reading Interview with Historian Gene Allen Smith

Mark R. Cheathem African American history, Gene Smith, Slavery, War of 1812

Review of Smith, The Slaves’ Gamble

Gene Smith's new book on the African-American experience during the War of 1812 is the kind of book that should have been written a long time ago. The Slaves' Gamble: Choosing Sides in the War of 1812 places African Americans front-and-center in discussions about the period between the American Revolution and 1820. Smith, professor of history … Continue reading Review of Smith, The Slaves’ Gamble

Mark R. Cheathem African American history, Gene Smith, Nathaniel Millett, War of 1812

The African American Experience during the War of 1812

I've previously lamented (here and here) the lack of attention paid to the War of 1812. A more specific historiographical gap concerns the role of African Americans during the war. At least two scholars (and hopefully more) are addressing that deficiency. Gene Smith, professor of history at TCU, has a new book out on slavery … Continue reading The African American Experience during the War of 1812