History of the Great American Fortunes, Vol. I: Conditions in Settlement and Colonial Times

"History of the Great American Fortunes, Vol. I" by Gustavus Myers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the origins and growth of significant fortunes in America, particularly focusing on the conditions during settlement and colonial times, and the impact of landownership and commerce on wealth accumulation. Myers aims to reveal the underlying socioeconomic systems that enabled the rise of these fortunes while critiquing the societal narratives that either glorify or vilify the wealthy. The opening of "History of the Great American Fortunes" establishes the author's intention to investigate the historical context of wealth in America, arguing that the great fortunes are products of systemic exploitation rather than mere success stories. Myers discusses how colonial landowners established significant estates and the dynamics of labor that evolved, including the introduction of both indentured servants and enslaved Africans to meet labor demands. This exploration sets the stage for a deeper understanding of how wealth was built on the foundations of inequity and exploitation during America’s formative years.