The Great Resistance by Carrie Gibson review – a panoramic account of the fight to end slavery

Acclaimed historian Carrie Gibson has released her latest book, *The Great Resistance*, a comprehensive historical survey that chronicles four centuries of escapes and uprisings by enslaved Africans across the Americas to highlight the persistent struggle for human freedom. Published recently to critical acclaim, the work aims to reframe the narrative of abolition by positioning the actions of the enslaved themselves—rather than just white reformers—at the center of the movement's eventual success. Gibson utilizes a panoramic approach to illustrate what she describes as the largest and most diverse ongoing insurrection in human history, spanning from the early colonial era to the final days of legal slavery in the 19th century. The narrative meticulously tracks the evolution of resistance, moving beyond isolated incidents to show a continuous, interconnected web of defiance. Gibson explores the various forms this resistance took, ranging from individual acts of sabotage and 'marronage'—the establishment of independent communities by those who escaped—to massive, organized military revolts that shook the foundations of colonial empires. By covering the entire geographical breadth of the Americas, from the Caribbean islands to the North American mainland and the Southern cone, the book demonstrates that the desire for liberty was a universal and unrelenting force. Central to Gibson’s thesis is the idea that the end of slavery was not a singular gift granted by legislative bodies, but a hard-won victory snatched through centuries of persistent pressure. The book highlights the intellectual and physical contributions of enslaved individuals who navigated complex geopolitical landscapes to argue for their rights. By synthesizing accounts of better-known events like the Haitian Revolution with obscure local rebellions, *The Great Resistance* provides a vital corrective to traditional history books that often overlook the agency of the oppressed. Ultimately, Gibson’s work serves as both a detailed archive and a thematic exploration of human resilience. It challenges readers to view the history of the Americas not merely through the lens of colonization and commerce, but through the enduring spirit of those who refused to accept their status as property. This panoramic account effectively connects the dots between disparate uprisings, painting a vivid picture of a global struggle that fundamentally reshaped the modern world.