Synopses & Reviews
John Elliot Cairnes (1823-1875) was one of the leading economists of his day, holding professorships at Trinity College Dublin, University College, Galway, and University College, London. He gained an international reputation with The Slave Power, first published in 1862, and enlarged and reissued the following year. His analysis of the economic and social system of the Confederate states in America did much to influence British support for the Union in the United States' Civil War. He argued that the course of history was influenced most of all by economic causes. Although he had begun his study of the slave trade on a theoretical basis, the outbreak of civil war had given it a more immediate and practical application. His case is very clearly and impartially argued. While being opposed to slavery on moral grounds, he fairly states the arguments on both sides, and refutes some of the Confederate propaganda.
Synopsis
First published in 1862, this clear analysis of the issues involved in the American Civil War influenced international opinion.
Synopsis
First published in 1862, this analysis of the economic of slavery as a cause of the American Civil War did much to bring British public opinion to support the Union. Written by one of the foremost economists of the day, he argues that history is chiefly shaped by economic causes.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1. Introductory - the case stated; 2. The economic basis of slavery; 3. Internal organization of slave societies; 4. Tendencies of slave societies; 5. Internal development of slave societies; 6. External policy of slave societies; 7. The career of the slave power; 8. The designs of the slave power; 9. General conclusions.