#15231
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Capitalism & Slavery
Book • 1944
In this seminal work, Eric Williams contends that slavery played a crucial role in the rise of capitalism and the British Empire.
He argues that the wealth generated from the slave trade and slavery fueled British industrial development, and that racism was a consequence of slavery rather than its cause.
The book refutes traditional ideas of economic and moral progress, emphasizing the economic motivations behind the abolition of slavery and highlighting the agency of the enslaved in their own liberation.
Williams's study is based on extensive historical research, including parliamentary debates, merchants’ papers, and abolitionist documents, and has had a profound impact on the scholarship of slavery and capitalism.
He argues that the wealth generated from the slave trade and slavery fueled British industrial development, and that racism was a consequence of slavery rather than its cause.
The book refutes traditional ideas of economic and moral progress, emphasizing the economic motivations behind the abolition of slavery and highlighting the agency of the enslaved in their own liberation.
Williams's study is based on extensive historical research, including parliamentary debates, merchants’ papers, and abolitionist documents, and has had a profound impact on the scholarship of slavery and capitalism.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by Christopher Brown as a book that describes abolition and emancipation as driven by economic change.
36 snips
#145 – Christopher Brown on why slavery abolition wasn't inevitable
Mentioned by 
Will MacAskill in relation to the economic arguments surrounding the abolition of slavery.
Will MacAskill in relation to the economic arguments surrounding the abolition of slavery.
17 snips
#130 – Will MacAskill on balancing frugality with ambition, whether you need longtermism, & mental health under pressure
Mentioned by Nigel Biggar regarding his controversial view on the relationship between slavery profits and the Industrial Revolution.
The Truth About Colonialism with Nigel Biggar
Mentioned by Lev Moscow as a book he read and assigned to his class, relating its argument to 
Vivek Chibber 's points on Orientalism.
Vivek Chibber 's points on Orientalism.
Vivek Chibber on Orientalism and Edward Said
Mentioned by 
Aviva Chomsky as a classic work exploring the relationship between capitalism and slavery.
Aviva Chomsky as a classic work exploring the relationship between capitalism and slavery.
Rethinking the Enlightenment | Historian Aviva Chomsky
