Dr. Gerald Horne

The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism: The Roots of Slavery, White Supremacy, and Capitalism in 17th Century North America and the Caribbean, by Gerald Horne_eBook and Audiobook

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Book Summary (abridged)

“The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism: The Roots of Slavery, White Supremacy, and Capitalism in 17th Century North America and the Caribbean” by Gerald Horne provides a comprehensive analysis of how the foundations of modern systemic racism, colonial exploitation, and capitalist structures were established in the 17th century. Horne examines the intersections of slavery, white supremacy, and colonialism, arguing that these elements were not only products of their time but also integral to the development of societal norms and economic systems that persist today. Through a detailed historical account, Horne reveals the consequences of these dynamics for Africans and Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the significance of resistance and the ongoing legacy of colonialism.

  • Introduction
    • Overview of the book’s goals and thematic focus
    • Discussion of the historical context surrounding the emergence of settler colonialism
    • Introduction to key concepts: slavery, white supremacy, and capitalism
  • Chapter 1: Beginning
    • Examination of the initial stages of European colonization in North America and the Caribbean
    • Analysis of the motivations behind European imperial expansion
    • Discussion of early interactions between colonizers and Indigenous populations
  • Chapter 2: No Providence for Africans and the Indigenous
    • Exploration of the systemic exclusion of Africans and Indigenous peoples from rights and protections
    • Analysis of the ideological frameworks that justified their marginalization
    • Discussion of the economic interests that underpinned these exclusionary practices
  • Chapter 3: The Rise of the Merchants and the Beheading of a King
    • Examination of the emerging merchant class and its role in colonial economies
    • Analysis of the political upheaval, including the beheading of King Charles I, and its implications for colonial governance
    • Discussion of how these events influenced colonial attitudes toward slavery and Indigenous peoples
  • Chapter 4: Jamaica Seized from Spain: Slavery and the Slave Trade Expand
    • Exploration of the British takeover of Jamaica and its transformation into a plantation economy
    • Analysis of how the expansion of slavery and the slave trade fueled economic growth in the Caribbean
    • Discussion of the social and cultural impacts of this transformation on enslaved Africans
  • Chapter 5: The Dutch Ousted from the Mainland: Slavery and the Slave Trade Expand
    • Examination of the ousting of the Dutch from North America and the subsequent expansion of slavery
    • Analysis of the economic motivations behind this transition and its impact on colonial society
    • Discussion of the implications for Indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans
  • Chapter 6: More Enslaved Africans Arrive in the Caribbean—Along with More Revolts
    • Exploration of the increasing influx of enslaved Africans into the Caribbean and the resulting demographic changes
    • Analysis of the revolts and resistance movements that emerged in response to oppressive conditions
    • Discussion of the significance of these revolts in shaping colonial policies and perceptions
  • Chapter 7: The Spirit of 1676: The Identity Politics of “Whiteness” and Prelude to Colonial Secession
    • Examination of the events surrounding Bacon’s Rebellion and the rise of “whiteness” as a unifying identity among European settlers
    • Analysis of how identity politics influenced colonial governance and social structures
    • Discussion of the implications for Indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans in the context of colonial secession
  • Chapter 8: The “Glorious Revolution” of 1688: Not so Glorious for Africans and the Indigenous
    • Exploration of the Glorious Revolution and its impact on colonial policies regarding slavery and Indigenous relations
    • Analysis of the ways in which the revolution reinforced existing power structures and racial hierarchies
    • Discussion of the consequences for African and Indigenous populations in the aftermath of these events
  • Chapter 9: Apocalypse Now
    • Examination of the cumulative effects of settler colonialism on African and Indigenous peoples
    • Analysis of the contemporary repercussions of historical injustices rooted in the colonial period
    • Discussion of the ongoing struggles for justice and the need for a reckoning with the past

Significance of the Book

Gerald Horne’s “The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism” is a critical text that sheds light on the deep historical roots of systemic racism, economic exploitation, and social hierarchies in North America and the Caribbean. By tracing these issues back to the 17th century, Horne provides a nuanced understanding of how colonial practices have shaped modern society. The book serves as an essential resource for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in unpacking the historical complexities of race, class, and colonialism, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the legacies of these systems in contemporary struggles for equity and justice.

Gerald Horne’s “The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism”_eBook

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Gerald Horne’s “The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism”_Audiobook

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Mau Mau in Harlem?_The U.S. and the Liberation of Kenya, Gerald Horne|eBook and Audiobook| (Contemporary Black History), with Mau Mau Warrior Illustrated eBook, by Abiodun Alao (Author), Christa Hook (Illustrator).

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Book Summary:

“Mau Mau in Harlem?: The U.S. and the Liberation of Kenya” is a book by historian Gerald Horne which explores the connections between the African-American Civil Rights movement in the United States and the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, specifically how the struggle for Kenyan independence resonated with African Americans, leading to a sense of solidarity and even the idea of a “Mau Mau” movement within Harlem and other Black communities in the U.S. 

Key points about the book:

  • Focus on the Mau Mau: The book delves into the Mau Mau Uprising, a violent guerrilla campaign by Kenyan Kikuyu people against British colonial rule in the 1950s, primarily focused on land rights and self-determination. 
  • Harlem connection: It analyzes how the struggles of the Mau Mau movement were closely followed and supported by African Americans in Harlem, New York, who saw parallels with their own fight for civil rights in the United States. 
  • Scholarly research: Horne draws on extensive archival research conducted in the US, UK, and Kenya to provide a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between the two movements. 
  • Impact on Black consciousness: The book argues that the Mau Mau rebellion contributed to a growing sense of Black consciousness and solidarity among African Americans, further fueling the civil rights movement. 
  • The Mau Mau Uprising: This was a violent resistance movement against British colonial rule in Kenya, primarily led by the Kikuyu tribe, during the 1950s. 
  • African (American) Solidarity: The book argues that African Americans saw parallels between the Kenyan struggle against British colonialism and their own fight for civil rights in the U.S., leading to significant support for the Mau Mau movement within the Black community. 
  • Malcolm X’s “Mau Mau in Harlem” reference: A prominent example of this connection is Malcolm X’s statement about the potential need for a “Mau Mau” style uprising in Harlem, signifying a willingness to use more militant tactics to achieve racial equality. 
  • Historical Context: The book examines the broader historical context of the Cold War, where the U.S. was keen to demonstrate its anti-colonial stance, leading to some level of support for Kenyan independence. 

Mau Mau in Harlem, Gerald Horne?_eBook

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Mau Mau in Harlem, Gerald Horne?_Audiobook

Audio start in earnest (Introduction @ 4 mins. 45 sec.) and corresponds to page 12 of the above Reader.

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Mau Mau Warrior Illustrated eBook, by Abiodun Alao (Author), Christa Hook (Illustrator).

Amazon Books: “Osprey’s study of the Mau Mau Rebellion (1952-1960) in Kenya and its fighters. The Mau Mau Freedom Fighters waged a guerrilla war for eight years against their British colonial rulers, which became known as the Mau Mau Uprising. The Mau Mau sought to win back their land and independence. This underground militia was an extremely powerful force employing tactics, which included the assassination of British settlers and the Africans who collaborated with the British, as well as raiding colonial prisons for weapons and staging daring ambushes in the Kenyan forests and mountains. The conflict saw these untrained warriors, deemed by many to be terrorists employ an innovative mix of traditional African warfare tactics, counterinsurgency methods and European firepower. The uprising ended in failure but set the stage for Kenyan independence in 1963. This title will explore their unique motivations, training and tactics, as well as their battle experience.”

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Dr. Gerald Horne: The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America_eBook and Audiobook, with Trump 2.0: Gerald Horne on the Future of White Supremacy, Imperialism & the Rise of Third-Worldism (Jedaal English)

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Dr. Gerald Horne is an American historian who currently holds the John J. and Rebecca Moores Chair of History and African American Studies at the University of Houston. 

Book Summary

Dr. Gerald Horne’s “The Counter-Revolution of 1776” presents a provocative reinterpretation of the American Revolution, arguing that it was not merely a struggle for independence from British rule but also a response to the increasing resistance of enslaved people. Horne posits that the revolution was fundamentally counter-revolutionary, aimed at preserving the institution of slavery and maintaining white supremacy. The book examines the social, political, and economic tensions that fueled both the revolution and the resistance of enslaved individuals, ultimately framing the American founding in a broader context of global struggles against colonialism and oppression.

The following outline captures the key themes and structure of Horne’s argument, highlighting the interconnections between slave resistance and the events leading to the formation of the United States.

Introduction

  • Explanation of the book’s thesis
  • Contextualization of the American Revolution within the framework of slavery

■ The Background of Slavery in Colonial America

  • Overview of the institution of slavery in the colonies
  • Economic importance of slavery to colonial economies
  • Social hierarchies and racial ideologies

■ Rising Tensions

  • Factors leading to increased resistance among enslaved people
  • The role of the British in promoting freedom for enslaved individuals
  • Key instances of slave resistance prior to the revolution

■ The Revolutionary Context

  • The impact of the American Revolution on colonial society
  • The ideological conflict between liberty and slavery
  • Examination of revolutionary leaders’ views on slavery

■ The Counter-Revolutionary Nature of the American Revolution

  • Analysis of how the revolution sought to protect slavery
  • The role of Southern colonies in shaping revolutionary goals
  • The influence of slave uprisings on revolutionary rhetoric

■ Global Implications

  • Connections between the American Revolution and global slave resistance
  • The impact of the revolution on other colonies and enslaved populations
  • The emergence of new ideologies and movements in response to slavery

■ The Legacy of the Counter-Revolution

  • Long-term effects of the American Revolution on slavery and race relations
  • The establishment of a national identity rooted in white supremacy
  • Reflections on the implications for understanding American history today

■ Conclusion

  • Summation of key arguments
  • The importance of recognizing the role of slavery in shaping American history
  • Call for re-examination of the narratives surrounding the founding of the United States

The Counter-Revolution of 1776_eBook

Illuminates how the preservation of slavery was a motivating factor for the Revolutionary War
The successful 1776 revolt against British rule in North America has been hailed almost universally as a great step forward for humanity. But the Africans then living in the colonies overwhelmingly sided with the British. In this trailblazing book, Gerald Horne shows that in the prelude to 1776, the abolition of slavery seemed all but inevitable in London, delighting Africans as much as it outraged slaveholders, and sparking the colonial revolt.
Prior to 1776, anti-slavery sentiments were deepening throughout Britain and in the Caribbean, rebellious Africans were in revolt. For European colonists in America, the major threat to their security was a foreign invasion combined with an insurrection of the enslaved. It was a real and threatening possibility that London would impose abolition throughout the colonies―a possibility the founding fathers feared would bring slave rebellions to their shores. To forestall it, they went to war.
The so-called Revolutionary War, Horne writes, was in part a counter-revolution, a conservative movement that the founding fathers fought in order to preserve their right to enslave others. The Counter-Revolution of 1776 brings us to a radical new understanding of the traditional heroic creation myth of the United States.

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The Counter-Revolution of 1776_Audiobook

Trump 2.0: Gerald Horne on the Future of White Supremacy, Imperialism & the Rise of Third-Worldism (Jedaal English)

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