I wondered about that too! Thanks, Laura.

The term “free white person” in the foundational 1790 Naturalization Act discriminated by race, and among those classified as white—as @greeneland.bsky.social notes—it discriminated by class. 🧵2/3

Thanks Anna! Yes I’ve been digging in and the main explanation I see is exactly that— excluding indentured servants. Zolberg eg says that. Still wanting to know more about the thinking. Their understanding of “free” may be as complex as what they meant by white.

Thanks and same back to you!

My thinking is that “free” was a class designation, ie requiring some property ownership, not purely a racial one. Trying to sort that out.

Looks good. Thanks!

Thanks! I’m thinking seriously about this one.

Thanks! Great to be reminded of these.

Interesting idea, thanks John!

Thanks for the votes! Have been thinking about Winant and Cindy’s book I know works well. As does Windham! Adding Haley to my list.