alternate history
A genre of fiction that presents a "what-if" scenario in which the contemporary world has been altered by a different outcome to a major historical event.
pariah state
A nation that has been made an outcast from international relations as the result of being isolated by major powers through economic sanctions and other means.
soul catcher
The novel's term for an undercover government operative charged with hunting down runaway slaves.
The Crittenden Compromise
Series of proposals made by Sen. John J. Crittenden which woud have extended Missouri Compromise line across the remaining U.S. territory, restricted Congress from interfering with slavery in the District of Columbia, required congressional compensation to slave owners encountering interference when trying to recover escaped slaves and affirming the constitutionality of fugitive slave laws.
righteousness
The certainty or being morally and ethically superior.
Abolitionist
The term given to those dedicated to the abolition of slavery in the United States.
disassociation
The psychologica defense mechanism of dealing with emotional trauma or turmoil by mentally disconnecting the self from the action.
manumission
The act of being awarded freedom through being released from slavery.
ad hoc
Improvised; created on the spur of the moment.
pigmentation
The color, shade or hue of skin; notable due to having no genetic relation to the social construction of the concept of there being different races of human beings.
supplicant
A person reduced to begging or pleading for something.
redemption
The attainment of salvation through the expiation and atonement of previous sins.
speculative
A theoretical and conjectural conception of potential effects given certain known causes.
protectionism
Economic theory of protecting of domestic industries from foreign competition by raising taxes on imports.
materialism
The doctrine that considers material possessions to have a greater value than moral and ethical principles.
opportunism
An economic philosophy based on seizing the advantage of situations as they arise without regard to moral or ethical concerns of the consequences.
bulwark
Person, place or abstract idea which provides a defensive boundary against attack.
