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Capitalism and Slavery: The Unbreakable Bond

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Third Edition Now Available!

In the groundbreaking third edition of Capitalism and Slavery, renowned historian Eric Williams delves into the complex and often hidden relationship between capitalism and slavery. This meticulously researched and thought-provoking work unveils how capitalism has historically relied on the exploitation of enslaved people for its growth and prosperity.

Illustration Depicting The Connection Between Capitalism And Slavery Capitalism And Slavery Third Edition

Capitalism and Slavery, Third Edition

by Eric Williams

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3032 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	261 pages

Defining Capitalism and Slavery

Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production, distribution of goods and services, and the pursuit of profit. Slavery, on the other hand, is a system of forced labor where individuals are treated as property and denied basic human rights.

The Origins of Capitalism and Slavery

Williams traces the origins of capitalism and slavery back to the 16th century, when European explorers established colonial outposts in the Americas. The capitalist desire for cheap labor to extract natural resources and produce goods led to the development of the transatlantic slave trade.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade and Capitalism

The transatlantic slave trade was a pivotal event in the history of capitalism. Over 12 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas, where they were enslaved in sugar plantations, cotton fields, and other industries. The profits generated from slave labor fueled the growth of capitalism in Europe and the United States.

The Legacies of Slavery in Capitalism

Williams argues that the legacies of slavery continue to shape capitalism today. The racial disparities in wealth, education, and healthcare in many capitalist societies can be traced back to the historical exploitation of enslaved Africans.

The Abolition of Slavery and Capitalism

The abolition of slavery in the 19th century did not end the connection between capitalism and exploitation. New forms of oppression, such as sharecropping, convict labor, and Jim Crow segregation, emerged to maintain control over the formerly enslaved population.

Capitalism and Slavery Today

Williams contends that the exploitation of labor continues to exist in contemporary capitalism. Modern forms of slavery, such as forced labor, debt bondage, and human trafficking, are prevalent in many parts of the world.

The Implications of Capitalism and Slavery

The implications of the relationship between capitalism and slavery are profound. Williams argues that the pursuit of profit without ethical considerations has led to a cycle of oppression and exploitation that has persisted for centuries.

Capitalism and Slavery is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the historical and contemporary connections between capitalism and slavery. Eric Williams's groundbreaking work offers a nuanced analysis that challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on the complex realities of exploitation and oppression.

Free Download your copy of the third edition of Capitalism and Slavery today and embark on a journey to uncover the hidden truth behind our economic system.

Capitalism and Slavery, Third Edition

by Eric Williams

4.7 out of 5