By the mid-eighteenth century; the transatlantic slave trade was considered to be a necessary and stabilizing factor in the capitalist economies of Europe and the expanding Americas. Britain was the most influential power in this system which seemed to have the potential for unbounded growth. In 1833; the British empire became the first to liberate its slaves and then to become a driving force toward global emancipation. There has been endless debate over the reasons behind this decision. This has been portrayed on the one hand as a rational disinvestment in a foundering overseas system; and on the other as the most expensive per capita expenditure for colonial reform in modern history. In this work; Seymour Drescher argues that the plan to end British slavery; rather than being a timely escape from a failing system; was; on the contrary; the crucial element in the greatest humanitarian achievement of all time. The Mighty Experiment explores how politicians; colonial bureaucrats; pamphleteers; and scholars taking anti-slavery positions validated their claims through rational scientific arguments going beyond moral and polemical rhetoric; and how the infiltration of the social sciences into this political debate was designed to minimize agitation on both sides and provide common ground. Those at the inception of the social sciences; such as Adam Smith and Thomas Malthus; helped to develop these tools to create an argument that touched on issues of demography; racism; and political economy. By the time British emancipation became legislation; it was being treated as a massive social experiment; whose designs; many thought; had the potential to change the world.This study outlines the relationship of economic growth to moral issues in regard to slavery; and will appeal to scholars of British history; nineteenth century imperial history; the history of slavery; and those interested in the history of human rights. The Mighty Experiment was the winner of First Prize; Frederick Douglass Book Prize; Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery; Resistance; and Abolition.
#1814073 in Books Julie Winch 2003-06-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.18 x 1.36 x 9.25l; 1.64 #File Name: 0195163400528 pagesA Gentleman of Color The Life of James Forten
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. James Forten was a remarkable man. He was a ...By StephanieReadsJames Forten was a remarkable man. He was a successful African American businessman in America during the late 1700's. Well respected by his peers of all backgrounds he overcame extreme hardship to build a successful business. He fought hard for abolition and equal rights. I am grateful to Julie Winch for the detailed research that she has done to tell his story. This book should be on the shelves of all middle and high school libraries.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A library must-haveBy Paula StewartThis well-researched biography is not only a detailed review of one fascinating American's life; but also an important book about the America of his times. I have recommended this book to everyone I know.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A gentlemanBy avidreaderWell written story about a forgotten figure in history that more should know about.
