Slave Power Quote by Eric Williams
““Expansion is a necessity of slave societies; the slave power requires ever fresh conquests.17 “It is more profitable,” wrote Merivale, “to cultivate a fresh soil by the dear labour of slaves, than an exhausted one by the cheap labour of free-men.”18 From Virginia and Maryland to Carolina, Georgia, Texas and the Middle West; from Barbados to Jamaica to Saint Domingue and then to Cuba; the logic was inexorable and the same.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Capitalism and Slavery by Eric Williams, 1944
Slave societies expand by constantly seeking new territories to exploit enslaved labor, as existing lands become exhausted.
In simple terms: Slave economies need new lands for slave labor.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the link between expansion and slavery.
Themes
expansion
economics
slavery
colonialism
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- policy discussion
- education
- activism
- museum curation
Key Concepts
imperialism
resource extraction
labor exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does modern economic policy reflect historic expansion motives?
- What ethical responsibilities arise from this history?
A Different Perspective
Expansion can be driven by other factors like trade or security.
