Debating Slavery: Economy and Society in the Antebellum American South

ISBN-13: 9780521571586 / Angielski / Twarda / 1998 / 140 str.

Mark M. Smith (University of South Carolina)

Opis

Even while slavery existed, Americans debated slavery. Was it a profitable and healthy institution? If so, for whom? The abolition of slavery in 1865 did not end this debate, and it still remains among the most hotly disputed topics in American history. Smith outlines the main contours of this debate, summarizes the contending viewpoints, and weighs the relative importance, strengths and weaknesses of the various interpretations. This book introduces an important topic in American history in a manner that is accessible to students.

Recenzje

'… a clear and interesting survey of much of the recent voluminous writing on the institution.' Economic History Review

Spis treści

Author's preface; 1. The contours of the debate; 2. Slaveholders and plantations; 3. Yeoman and non-slave-owners; 4. Slaves; 5. The profitability of slavery as a business; 6. The profitability of slavery as a system; 7. New directions, toward consensus; Bibliography.