Books matching: slavery and capitalism
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- #1
In "The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism" by Edward E. Baptist, the author meticulously examines the relationship between slavery and the American economic system. Through solid statistics and argument, Baptist demonstrates how American economic growth was powered by the forced toil of enslaved people, particularly in the cotton industry. The book interweaves personal narratives of enslaved individuals with rigorous research to highlight the economic dominance of slavery in shaping the national economy in the years leading up to the Civil War. Baptist's writing style is described as clear, detailed, and searing, offering a deep dive into the brutal realities of slavery and its lasting impact on American society.
ABEAUTIFUL LATE APRIL DAY, seventy-two years after slavery ended in the United States. Claude Anderson parks his car on the side of Holbrook Street in Danville. On the porch of number 513, he rearrang... 'Sweetness and Power' by Sidney W. Mintz explores the history and impact of sugar on modern society. Mintz delves into how sugar production institutionalized slavery, influenced global consumerism, and shaped the economies and politics of key countries. Through a combination of historical facts and anthropological insights, the book traces the evolution of sugar consumption from a rare luxury to a staple of modern life, highlighting its profound effects on work patterns, eating habits, and the overall diet of individuals.
Mintz's writing style in 'Sweetness and Power' is described as engaging, insightful, and thorough. Readers appreciate the detailed research and in-depth analysis provided by the author, allowing them to gain a comprehensive understanding of how sugar has played a significant role in shaping the modern world. not only offers a historical account of sugar production and consumption but also explores the broader implications of this commodity on capitalism, industry, and social structures.
- #3
'Spartacus' by Howard Fast is a historical fiction novel that explores the story of Spartacus, a Thracian slave turned gladiator who leads a massive slave rebellion against the Roman Republic. The book delves into the moral climate of Rome, depicting the struggles and triumphs of the slaves, the brutal reality of Roman society, and the complexities of power, class relations, and freedom. Through vivid descriptions and compelling characters, the author weaves together different perspectives to narrate the tale of Spartacus and his followers, shedding light on their fight against oppression and their quest for liberty.
Fast's writing style in 'Spartacus' is characterized by skillful prose that vividly recreates the atmosphere of ancient Rome. The author brings to life various aspects of Roman society, from the blood splattered gladiatorial arenas to the disciplined legionary camps, showcasing a nuanced and complex portrayal of characters like Crassus, Cicero, and Gracchus. Through the retelling of Spartacus' rebellion and its aftermath, Fast explores themes of power, corruption, struggle, and the enduring quest for freedom that resonate through the centuries.
It is recorded that as early as the middle of the month of March, the highroad from the Eternal City, Rome, to the somewhat smaller but hardly less lovely town of Capua, was opened to public travel on... 'A True History of the United States: Indigenous Genocide, Racialized Slavery, Hyper-Capitalism, Militarist Imperialism and Other Overlooked Aspects of American Exceptionalism' by Daniel A. Sjursen provides a critical analysis of American history, challenging the traditional narratives taught in schools. Sjursen delves into various historical events, from the founding of the nation to modern American politics, highlighting the darker aspects of American history such as slavery, racial apartheid, and the genocide of Native Americans. Through well-researched chapters, the author exposes the myths and inaccuracies surrounding the country's past, aiming to provide readers with a more honest and comprehensive understanding of the United States' complex history.
The writing style of the book is described as compelling, raw, and unvarnished, offering readers a balanced and objective view of American history. Sjursen, drawing from his background as a veteran and West Point instructor, presents the historical facts with brutal honesty, challenging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of the nation's past. covers a wide range of topics, from the Revolutionary War to the Obama years, dissecting key events and figures in American history with a critical eye and providing readers with a thought-provoking narrative that encourages introspection and reflection.
As we’ve seen in previous chapters, the way we remember the past is as fascinating and instructive as the reality of events. This is particularly true of the American Revolution, which, I would sugges...- #5
'Capitalism & Slavery' by Colin A. Palmer and Eric Williams delves into the intertwined history of capitalism and the slave trade, revealing the economic foundations of European wealth and the role of slavery in fueling industrialization. Through meticulous research and detailed analysis, the book presents a compelling argument that the transatlantic slave trade was not only a brutal system of labor but also a key driver of capitalist expansion, shaping global economies and influencing historical events such as the American Revolution. Eric Williams' groundbreaking thesis challenges traditional narratives by highlighting the economic motivations behind the exploitation of enslaved Africans and the lasting impact of slavery on modern capitalism.
17. Cairnes, op. cit., 44; Merivale, op. cit., 305–306. On soil exhaustion and the expansion of slavery in the United States see W. C. Bagley, Soil Exhaustion and the Civil War (Washington, D. C., 194... - #6
"Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust: Slavery and the Rise of European Capitalism" by John Henrik Clarke delves into the dark history of the slave trade, exploring the brutal realities faced by black Africans at the hands of European conquerors. Through a concise yet informative narrative, Clarke sheds light on the atrocities committed during this period, providing detailed insights into the actions of historical figures like Columbus, Cortes, and Pizarro. The writing style is described as engaging and informative, presenting the facts in a straightforward manner that captivates the reader's attention.
- #7
In "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, readers are taken on a journey through the harsh realities faced by immigrant workers in the meatpacking industry of Chicago in the early 1900s. The protagonist, Jurgis, and his family struggle to survive in a world filled with corruption, filth, and exploitation. The book vividly describes the deplorable working conditions, political corruption, and the evils of capitalism that the characters endure, ultimately leading Jurgis towards the Socialist movement. The narrative provides a gut-wrenching look at the challenges faced by the working class during a time of urbanization and industrialization, highlighting the need for social and political reform.
IT WAS four o‘clock when the ceremony was over and the carriages began to arrive. There had been a crowd following all the way, owing to the exuberance of Marija Berczynskas. The occasion rested heavi... - #8
'Das Kapital' by Karl Marx is a detailed and scathing critique of capitalism, focusing on the lived experiences of workers, poverty, and the degradation of laborers. Marx's work is described as an essential starting point to understand the radical changes in the world prior to the 20th century. Despite its flaws and gaps, the book presents challenging and interesting ideas, predicting crises and highlighting the inherent conflict of interest between employees and employers in a capitalist society.
'The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power' by Joel Bakan delves into the concept of corporations and their pursuit of profit above all else. Through a detailed analysis, Bakan exposes the unethical practices and motivations of corporations, showcasing how they prioritize financial gain over societal well-being. The writing style is insightful and methodically argued, providing in-depth examples and illustrations to support the premise that corporations operate as inhumane money-making machines. Bakan also discusses the legal background of corporations and the extreme consequences of their actions, highlighting the need for increased regulation and accountability.
Over the last 150 years the corporation has risen from relative obscurity to become the world’s dominant economic institution. Today, corporations govern our lives. They determine what we eat, what we...- #10
'A People's History of the United States' by Howard Zinn presents American history through the eyes of the marginalized and oppressed, such as indigenous peoples, slaves, women, workers, and the poor. Zinn challenges the traditional narrative of American history by highlighting the struggles and perspectives of those often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts. The book provides a comprehensive and alternative view of historical events, offering a critical analysis of the foundations of the United States and shedding light on lesser-known rebellions and movements that have shaped the nation.
Zinn's writing style in 'A People's History of the United States' is described as engaging, readable, and well-sourced. Readers find the book to be informative, eye-opening, and thought-provoking, as it delves into the darker aspects of American history that are often omitted or sugar-coated in traditional textbooks. Through detailed accounts and historical facts, Zinn offers readers a different perspective on key events and figures in American history, encouraging critical thinking and a reevaluation of commonly held beliefs about the nation's past.
Arawak men and women, naked, tawny, and full of wonder, emerged from their villages onto the island’s beaches and swam out to get a closer look at the strange big boat. When Columbus and his sailors c...