Slavery played a central role in the history of the United States. It existed in all the English mainland colonies and came to dominate agricultural production in the states from Maryland south. Eight of the first 12 presidents of the United States were slave owners. Debate over slavery increasingly dominated American politics, leading eventually to the American Civil War (1861-1865), which finally brought slavery to an end. After emancipation, overcoming slavery's legacy remained a crucial issue …showed first 75 words of 876 total…

…showed last 75 words of 876 total…two hundred forty four years of blood, sweat, and tears shed by over ten million slaves. Works Cited "Apologia qua amnesia." The Nation 10 July 1997: 10. Leo, J. "So Who's Sorry Now?" U.S. News & World Report 30 June 1997: 17. Marino, G. "Apologize for Slavery?" Commonweal 13 Feb. 1998: 11-14. Mazrui, A.A. "Who Should Pay for Slavery?" World Press Review August 1993: 22-23. "Should the Government Apologize for Slavery?" Jet 14 July 1997: 8-10. White, J.E. "Sorry isn't Good Enough." Time 30 June 1997: 35.