Transatlantic Slave Trade: The Economic Engine of The New Nation

September 2, 2025

The article discusses the profound impact of slavery on American society, highlighting how its legacy continues to influence racial disparities today. Professor Hasan Jeffries explains that slavery was a foundational pillar of American society whose effects persisted long after its formal abolition through Jim Crow laws and systemic racism. Research commissioned by James Madison's Montpelier reveals significant racial disparities in how Americans perceive their constitutional rights, with African Americans less likely than whites to believe their rights are respected.

Who is affected

African Americans who continue to experience the legacy of slavery
All Americans whose society was fundamentally shaped by slavery
Descendants of enslaved individuals who lived at Montpelier and other estates
Modern Americans with differing perceptions of constitutional rights based on race
Visitors and researchers at James Madison's Montpelier who engage with this history

What action is being taken

James Madison's Montpelier is commissioning studies on how Americans perceive their Constitutional rights
Montpelier is actively engaging with descendants of enslaved individuals to help interpret slavery in real terms
The institution is working to illuminate ancestors' stories through inclusive conversations
Researchers are documenting racial disparities in perceptions of constitutional rights
Montpelier is facilitating discussions about freedom, equality, and justice that include those most affected

Why it matters

Slavery's legacy continues to shape racial inequities in American society
There remain significant racial disparities in how Americans perceive their constitutional rights
Understanding the economic motivations behind slavery helps explain its entrenchment in early America
The contrast between Madison's ideals of freedom and his ownership of slaves highlights American contradictions
Engaging descendants of enslaved people provides essential perspectives for interpreting history accurately

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint