Capitalism And Slavery By Eric Eustace Williams Essay

Capitalism Slavery, (published by The University of North Carolina Press, 1994) was written by Eric Eustace Williams and first published in 1944. Eric Williams book, was at the time of its publication, considered years ahead of its time. It should be noted, early on within this report that, literary works on the history of the Caribbean or slavery for a matter of fact, was done by Europeans. In the preface of his book, Williams clearly asserts that his work, is not a study of the institution of slavery but of the contribution of slavery to the development of British capitalism.1 His work takes an economic view of history, which is at the core of his arguments and thus essential to understanding how his arguments and ideas are ultimately formulated. The author himself sums it up best, when he clearly states that his work is, first a study in English economic history and second in West Indian and Negro history.2 His main thesis is that, the commercial capitalism of the eighteenth cen tury was built up on slavery and monopoly, while the Industrial capitalism of the nineteenth century destroyed slavery and monopoly.3 Economics was at the core of Williams thesis; it interlinks slavery, the rise of British capitalism, African slave trade and the emancipation of slave in the Caribbean. The triangular trade involved trade between England, North America, the West Indies and England in the eighteenth century. The triangular trade would be crucial in the development ofShow MoreRelatedBook Report: Capitalism Slavery, Eric Williams1513 Words   |  7 PagesBook Report: Capitalism Slavery, Eric Williams Capitalism Slavery, (published by The University of North Carolina Press, 1994) was written by Eric Eustace Williams and first published in 1944. Eric Williams book, was at the time of its publication, considered years ahead of its time. It should be noted, early on within this report that, literary works on the history of the Caribbean or slavery for a matter of fact, was done by Europeans. In the preface of his book, Williams clearly assertsRead MoreSummary Of The Rodney Riots By Walter Rodney1712 Words   |  7 Pages Trinidad’s revolutionary’s leader was Dr. Eric Eustace Williams. He held the title of chief minister and prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1956 to 1981. He advocated self-determination and political independence for all people. He is the author of an acclaimed novel called, â€Å"Capitalism and Slavery†. In it he argued that the profits attained by England from the slave trade and slavery played an integral role in ascent of British capitalism. He also suggested that England need to compensateRead MoreThe Emancipation Of Slave Trade2397 Words   |  10 PagesEmancipation of Slavery: The British Debate by ReÃŒ vauger CeÃŒ cile focusing on the chapter The economic and social context. This gives some understanding of the context of British economy during the slavery abolition and helps in analyzing how this framework connects to slavery emancipation. Also, the book describes the movements of anti-slavery and the effects of French Revolution, which enable comparisons among perspectives that are economic, humanitarian, and cultural. The second book is Capitalism Slavery