Includes bibliographical references (p. 166-168) and index.

What is a document? -- How to read a document -- Vanguards of freedom -- The making of American slavery. Capture and transport -- Early resistance -- Slaves' lives in the colonies -- Rebels and runaways -- The African-American revolution. Liberty for all? -- Lord Dunmore and the promise of freedom -- The Declaration of Independence and the question of slavery -- Revolutionary soldiers -- Equality disputed -- Revolutionary ideals -- Forging freedom and fighting slavery in the north. First steps to freedom -- An end to the slave trade -- Opponents to colonization -- Free blacks speak out -- Another independence day -- The call for civil rights -- Slavery and freedom: dressing the part -- The continual struggle: southern slaves and masters. Private and public rebellion -- Disobedience and discipline -- Subversion, suffering, and escape -- The second American revolution and the end of slavery. Justified rebellion -- A welcome war -- Emancipation -- Liberation.

A collection of primary sources, from the colonial era to the Civil War, that document the struggle of free blacks, slaves, and other Americans to end slavery.