The Progress and Intelligence of Americans

<p><i>The Progress and Intelligence of Americans</i> by Marvin T. Wheat presents a controversial perspective on slavery in the context of 19th-century America. Published in 1862 during the height of the Civil War the book offers a unique defense of slavery rooted in interpretations of the Old Testament specifically the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Wheat argues that slavery is justified by organic law and the perceived inherent characteristics of different races.</p> <p>Further the author posits that Jesus Christ's Caucasian heritage attributed to his parentage supports the notion of racial hierarchy and the subjugation of certain groups. Wheat outlines the progress of slavery in the Southern states and explores the purported intellectual and moral differences between enslaved people and free white Americans. This book is a valuable albeit disturbing primary source for understanding the pro-slavery arguments prevalent during a critical period in American history.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>