Debating Slavery Economy and Society in the Antebellum American South [Hardcover]

First New Studies in Economic and Social History book on a US theme. Good concise introduction to a 'hot' topic.Even while slavery existed, Americans debated slavery. Was it a profitable and healthy institution? If so, for whom? The abolition of slavery in 1865 did not end this debate, and it still remains amongst the most hotly disputed topics in American history. Dr Smith outlines the main contours of this debate, summarizes the contending viewpoints, and weighs up the relative importance, strengths and weaknesses of the various interpretations. This book introduces an important topic in American history in a manner which is accessible to students taking courses in American history.Even while slavery existed, Americans debated slavery. Was it a profitable and healthy institution? If so, for whom? The abolition of slavery in 1865 did not end this debate, and it still remains amongst the most hotly disputed topics in American history. Dr Smith outlines the main contours of this debate, summarizes the contending viewpoints, and weighs up the relative importance, strengths and weaknesses of the various interpretations. This book introduces an important topic in American history in a manner which is accessible to students taking courses in American history.Even while slavery existed, Americans debated slavery. Was it a profitable and healthy institution? If so, for whom? The abolition of slavery in 1865 did not end this debate, and it still remains among the most hotly disputed topics in American history. Smith outlines the main contours of this debate, summarizes the contending viewpoints, and weighs the relative importance, strengths and weaknesses of the various interpretations. This book introduces an important topic in American history in a manner that is accessible to students.Author's preface; 1. The contours of the debate; 2. Slaveholders and plantations; 3. Yeoman and non-slave-owners; 4. Slaves; 5. The profitability of slavery as a business; 6. The profitabillcw