Capitalism & Slavery
First published in 1944 and years ahead of its time, this book became the foundation for many future studies of imperialism and economic development. Binding an economic view of history with strong moral argument, Williams’ study of the role of slavery in financing the Industrial Revolution refuted traditional ideas of economic and moral progress, and firmly established the centrality of the African slave trade in European economic development. He also showed that mature industrial capitalism, in turn, helped destroy the slave system. Establishing the exploitation of commercial capitalism and its link to racial attitudes, Williams employed a historicist vision that set the tone for future studies.
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