Capitalism and Slavery (Eric Williams)

"Capitalism and Slavery" by Eric Williams argues that the profits from the transatlantic slave trade and slavery significantly fueled Europe's industrial revolution. Williams explains that the wealth generated from enslaved Africans and their labor contributed to industrial innovations and economic growth in Europe and North America. This relationship shows that slavery was not just a moral failure but also integral to economic development, challenging the view that capitalism emerged independently. The book highlights how racial exploitation and economic motives were intertwined, shaping modern capitalism's foundations.