In Reconstruction in the Cane Fields; John C. Rodrigue examines emancipation and the difficult transition from slavery to free labor in one enclave of the South -- the cane sugar region of southern Louisiana. In contrast to the various forms of sharecropping and tenancy that replaced slavery in the cotton South; wage labor dominated the sugar industry. Rodrigue demonstrates that the special geographical and environmental requirements of sugar production in Louisiana shaped the new labor arrangements. Ultimately; he argues; the particular demands of Louisiana sugar production accorded freedmen formidable bargaining power in the contest with planters over free labor.Rodrigue addresses many issues pivotal to all post-emancipation societies: How would labor be reorganized following slavery's demise? Who would wield decision-making power on the plantation? How were former slaves to secure the fruits of their own labor? He finds that while freedmen's working and living conditions in the postbellum sugar industry resembled the prewar status quo; they did not reflect a continuation of the powerlessness of slavery. Instead; freedmen converted their skills and knowledge of sugar production; their awareness of how easily they could disrupt the sugar plantation routine; and their political empowerment during Radical Reconstruction into leverage that they used in disputes with planters over wages; hours; and labor conditions. Thus; sugar planters; far from being omnipotent overlords who dictated terms to workers; were forced to adjust to an emerging labor market as well as to black political power.The labor arrangements particular to postbellum sugar plantations not only propelled the freedmen's political mobilization during Radical Reconstruction; Rodrigue shows; but also helped to sustain black political power -- at least for a few years -- beyond Reconstruction's demise in 1877.By showing that freedmen; under the proper circumstances; were willing to consent to wage labor and to work routines that strongly resembled those of slavery; Reconstruction in the Cane Fields offers a profound interpretation of how former slaves defined freedom in slavery's immediate aftermath. It will prove essential reading for all students of southern; African American; agricultural; and labor history.
#876415 in Books Louisiana State Univ Pr 1989-07Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 6.50 x .75l; #File Name: 080711488X200 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An Alternative View of Albert PikeBy Warin West-ElHaving read this book cover to cover; I believe the second part of the title is misleading. This book is less about John Drew and more about how the so-called "Indians" were manipulated during the Civil War.I live in Fort Smith; Arkansas. Many of these events took place right here or nearby. So; for me; this was a particularly interesting read. If you're a history buff; you'll enjoy this. The photos are revealing. Did you know that the Irish were intimately involved with the "Indians"?For more; read the book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Thought you knew about the south and the civil war....try again.By C. ThornExcellent read; learn about a wider truth of the civil war; having these as my ancestors made it a little more personal; yet and still a great book; and insight to the south and unity of all people from the south. Not just a slave; black vs white scenario which is far too common; and not set in reality of this great country. Being the father of Noble Drew Ali; and having Albert PIke as a brigadier in John Drews regiment gives a new dichotomy to the outlook and coversation of the civil war and all it's players; including the "always" heroic north.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book on some of the hidden facts about the ...By Eu. GenesGreat book on some of the hidden facts about the civil war. Also; the historical facts that this was Noble Drew Ali's father!
