Confederate Slave Impressment in the Upper South

In a thorough examination of the Confederate policies, Jaime Amanda Martinez delves into the practice of slave impressment in the Upper South, particularly focusing on Virginia and North Carolina. This book unveils the harsh realities faced by enslaved individuals under the pressures exerted by the Confederate government, which often prioritized military needs over personal freedom. Martinez meticulously documents the complexities of these policies, shedding light on their profound impact on local communities.

Through vivid narratives and well-researched historical context, the author reveals how white citizens were compelled to surrender enslaved people for the war effort, creating a moral and ethical dilemma that rippled through Southern society. Exposing the discrepancies between public ideology and private experiences, the book illustrates the conflicting loyalties and the culturally ingrained systems that both supported and resisted these measures.

Martinez’s work is not merely a recounting of historical events; it challenges readers to confront the consequences of war on the lives of those often relegated to the margins. By weaving together personal stories with broader socio-political analysis, she creates a compelling narrative that enhances understanding of the era and its lingering implications.