Slavery, Atlantic Trade and the British Economy, 1660-1800

Description

This book considers the impact of slavery and Atlantic trade on British economic development in the generations between the restoration of the Stuart monarchy and the era of the Younger Pitt. During this period Britain's trade became 'Americanised' and industrialisation began to occur in the domestic economy. The slave trade and the broader patterns of Atlantic commerce contributed important dimensions of British economic growth although they were more significant for their indirect, qualitative contribution than for direct quantitative gains. Kenneth Morgan investigates five key areas within the topic that have been subject to historical debate: the profits of the slave trade; slavery, capital accumulation and British economic development; exports and transatlantic markets; the role of business institutions; and the contribution of Atlantic trade to the growth of British ports. This stimulating and accessible book provides essential reading for students of slavery and the slave trade, and British economic history.

"Kenneth Morgan's Slavery, Atlantic Trade and the British Economy is a concise, readable summary of the debate about the significance of slave-based Atlantic trade to British economic growth in the eighteenth century. He has condensed some often complicated economic discussions into straightforward prose. The book is of value to upper-level students in Atlantic history and specialists in the field." International Journal of Maritime History " As a work in summary it is written with clarity and elegance that does not weaken the analytical integrity and their discursive context." Albion