A sharp, accessible critique of the so‑called Slave Power and its role in the American conflict, from economic realities to political aims.
This edition clarifies the stakes and the path toward change.
Drawing on detailed evidence, the book argues that slavery is the central issue of the American contest. It explains the economic setup of the system, why it thrives in some regions, and how it reshapes land use and labor. The author also shows how slaveholders tie social status and political power to the institution, pushing for expansion despite its costs.
Readers will gain a clear view of how slavery’s weaknesses—its reliance on unskilled labor, the need for constant supervision, and its limited ability to adapt to varied crops—shape its profits and its long‑term viability. The analysis connects economic incentives with political maneuvers, tracing the push for new territories and state creation, and discussing constitutional options for ending the practice.
- How slavery functions as an industrial system and where it can be profitable
- Why slave labor struggles with versatility, skill, and geographic limits
- How expansion and politics sustain the slaveholding system
- Possible legal and constitutional approaches to ending slavery
Ideal for readers interested in political economy, 19th‑century debates, and historical arguments about the causes and consequences of slavery.