Edward baptist, professor of history at cornell and author of the book the half has never been told, slavery and the making of american capitalism. He tells the story of the decades long rush to make more money by producing more cotton. Antrepanurs rushed in, bringing money from investors in the north and in europe, especially england. But the original 13 states really uded.
In the decades after America’s founding and the establishment of the Constitution, did the nation get better, more just, more democratic? Or did it double down on violent conquest and exploitation?
Reported, produced, written, and mixed by John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika. The series editor is Loretta Williams. Interviews with Robin Alario, Edward Baptist, Kidada Williams, and Keri Leigh Merritt.
Music by Algiers, John Erik Kaada, Eric Neveux, and Lucas Biewen. Music consulting and production help from Joe Augustine of Narrative Music.