In 1860, the average price of a male slave of prime…
““In 1860, the average price of a male slave of prime working age was roughly $2,000, whereas the average wage of a free farm laborer was on the order of $200.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Historical slave prices vastly exceeded free labor wages, highlighting extreme economic inequality.
In simple terms: Slave labor was far more valuable than free labor.
Recognize roots of modern inequality.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- education
- social justice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this history inform current policy?
- What reparations are justified?
Numbers alone ignore human suffering.