A New History of the American South Season 1 Episode 13 Sovereignty and Slavery in the American West

A New History of the American South is a documentary series that delves into the complex history of America's southern states. In season 1 episode 13, titled "Sovereignty and Slavery in the American West," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the tangled relationship between slavery and state sovereignty in the western territories of the United States.

The episode begins by tracing the westward expansion of the United States in the mid-19th century. As settlers moved west, they brought with them their views on slavery, and conflicts over the institution began to arise. The episode focuses on the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which allowed citizens of these territories to vote on whether to allow slavery within their borders.

This act set off a violent struggle between pro- and anti-slavery forces, known as "Bleeding Kansas." Viewers are shown archival footage and reenactments of the brutal battles that took place during this period, and learn about the impact these events had on the nation as a whole.

The episode also explores the political debates surrounding the concept of "popular sovereignty," which held that the people of a territory should decide for themselves whether to allow slavery within their borders. This idea was championed by politicians like Stephen A. Douglas, who argued that it was the most democratic way to approach the issue.

However, the reality was far more complex. The episode examines how both pro- and anti-slavery forces sought to manipulate the voting process in their favor, leading to accusations of fraud and violence. Ultimately, the concept of popular sovereignty failed to resolve the issue of slavery in the west, and tensions continued to simmer in the lead-up to the Civil War.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a cast of colorful characters who played a key role in shaping the history of the American West. They'll learn about figures like John Brown, the militant abolitionist who led a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry in 1859, and James Buchanan, the president who failed to contain the growing tensions between the north and south.

The episode also explores the experiences of enslaved individuals who were brought to the west by their owners. Viewers will hear from historians and scholars who describe the harsh conditions faced by enslaved people in this part of the country, and the ways in which they resisted their bondage.

Overall, "Sovereignty and Slavery in the American West" is a fascinating exploration of a little-understood chapter in American history. Through a combination of archival material, scholarly analysis, and dramatic reenactments, viewers will come away with a more nuanced understanding of the complex issues at play during this critical period.