David McNally

David McNally, Cullen Distinguished Professor of History and Business at the University of Houston, dives deep into his groundbreaking work on slavery and capitalism. He argues that slavery was intrinsically linked to capitalist production, presenting enslaved labor as a form of collective resistance. McNally critiques traditional views of individual freedom, advocating for a communal understanding. He also introduces the concept of the 'chattel proletariat,' urging a reevaluation of labor history to highlight the agency of enslaved workers.