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Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism: A Must-Read for Historians and Economists

Isaiah Price

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The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism

by Edward E Baptist

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	559 pages

In his groundbreaking book, "Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism," Sven Beckert explores the central role of slavery in the development of American capitalism. This meticulously researched and elegantly written work challenges traditional narratives of American history and economics, arguing that slavery was not merely a byproduct of capitalism but rather a driving force behind its growth and expansion.

Beckert begins by tracing the origins of slavery in the United States to the early colonial period. He shows how the demand for labor to cultivate cash crops such as tobacco and cotton led to the importation of enslaved Africans. Over time, slavery became deeply embedded in the Southern economy and society, and it played a crucial role in the development of the cotton industry, which was the driving force of the American economy in the 19th century.

Beckert argues that slavery was not only an economic system but also a social and political system. Slaveholders used their power to create a society that was based on white supremacy and racial oppression. They also used their wealth and influence to shape the laws and institutions of the United States in a way that protected their interests.

"Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism" is a powerful and provocative work that forces us to rethink the history of the United States. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of slavery, capitalism, or the United States.

Key Findings

Slavery was not merely a byproduct of capitalism but rather a driving force behind its growth and expansion.
The demand for labor to cultivate cash crops such as tobacco and cotton led to the importation of enslaved Africans.
Slavery became deeply embedded in the Southern economy and society, and it played a crucial role in the development of the cotton industry, which was the driving force of the American economy in the 19th century.
Slavery was not only an economic system but also a social and political system. Slaveholders used their power to create a society that was based on white supremacy and racial oppression.
Slaveholders used their wealth and influence to shape the laws and institutions of the United States in a way that protected their interests.

Praise for "Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism"

"A groundbreaking work that challenges traditional narratives of American history and economics." - The New York Times

"Essential reading for anyone interested in the history of slavery, capitalism, or the United States." - The Washington Post

"A powerful and provocative work that forces us to rethink the history of the United States." - The Los Angeles Times

About the Author

Sven Beckert is a professor of American history at Harvard University. He is the author of several books on the history of capitalism and slavery, including "Empires of Cotton: A Global History" and "The Monied Metropolis: New York City and the Consolidation of the American Bourgeoisie, 1850-1896."