The Daily ’1619,’ Episode 2: The Economy That Slavery Built
Aug 31, 2019
This discussion dives into how slavery turned a struggling nation into a financial giant, with the cotton plantation being its first major industry. The harsh realities of enslaved labor are examined alongside the economic strategies that exploited these workers. The episode reveals the deep financial ties between banks and the slave economy, showcasing how this legacy still echoes in modern capitalism. It also addresses the enduring inequalities and painful memories that persist today, urging listeners to confront this history.
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Hannah-Jones' Family History
- Nikole Hannah-Jones' father was born on a Mississippi cotton plantation, where his family were sharecroppers.
- Her great-aunt Charlotte finally opened up about their difficult past, including stories of family members being chased and having to flee.
Impact of the Cotton Gin
- The invention of the cotton gin revolutionized cotton production by drastically increasing efficiency.
- This led to a surge in slavery as the demand for labor grew.
Plantations as Corporations
- Cotton plantations resembled modern corporations with complex hierarchies and management techniques.
- These were driven by violence and used to maximize productivity from enslaved workers.