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The rise, progress, and phases of human slavery: How it came into the world and how it shall be made to go out

Written by James Bronterre O'Brien

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Social problemsSlaveryWorking classLabor movementLabor

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About this book

"The Rise, Progress, and Phases of Human Slavery" by James Bronterre O'Brien is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the origins and evolution of slavery, examining its various forms and how it has persisted throughout history. O'Brien delves into the societal impacts of slavery and its links to concepts of inequality, emphasizing the plight of the working classes as a modern form of slavery. At the start of this profound exploration, O'Brien sets a critical tone, discussing the urgent need for social reform in a world fraught with slavery, both overt and masked under various legal and social pretenses. He reflects on the universality of slavery across civilizations and eras, including its presence in so-called civilized nations. O'Brien introduces the concept of "Proletarianism," arguing that the working classes are akin to slaves, trapped in a cycle of exploitation resulting from the historical evolution of slavery and the ineffectual reforms that followed. His examination traces back to the ancient roots of slavery, linking it to the despotic power of familial authority, and highlights the crucial role of Christianity in the gradual emancipation of slaves, only to reveal how such emancipations led to the rise of a new class of suffering individuals— the modern proletariat.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The rise, progress, and phases of human slavery: How it came into the world and how it shall be made to go out, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • analytical
  • critical
  • polemical

James Bronterre O'Brien's "The Rise, Progress, and Phases of Human Slavery" is a profound late 19th-century historical and polemical work that meticulously traces the evolution of human slavery from its ancient origins to its contemporary manifestations. O'Brien argues that slavery is a universal and persistent phenomenon, not limited to overt chattel slavery but subtly ingrained in societal structures, even in so-called civilized nations. He critically introduces the concept of "Proletarianism," positing that the working classes of his era are effectively modern slaves, trapped in a cycle of exploitation fostered by historical economic systems and insufficient reforms. The book serves as an urgent call for radical social reform, aiming to dismantle these entrenched forms of servitude and achieve true emancipation for all.

“Slavery, in one form or another, has been the universal lot of man in every age and every clime.”

Key themes

Universality and Evolution of Slavery
This theme is central to O'Brien's argument, positing that slavery is not an isolated historical phenomenon but a persistent human condition that merely changes its form. He traces its evolution from ancient patriarchal power to chattel slavery, serfdom, and ultimately to the modern 'Proletarianism,' arguing that the underlying mechanism of one group's exploitation by another remains constant.
Critique of Capitalism and 'Proletarianism'
O'Brien fundamentally critiques the economic system of his time, arguing that industrial capitalism, despite its promises of freedom, effectively enslaves the working classes. He coins 'Proletarianism' to describe the condition of workers who, lacking ownership of the means of production, are compelled to sell their labor for wages that barely sustain them, thus perpetuating a cycle of exploitation akin to historical slavery.
Social Reform and Emancipation
The book is ultimately a fervent call for radical social reform. O'Brien argues that true emancipation requires more than superficial legal changes; it demands a fundamental restructuring of society to eliminate the root causes of exploitation and inequality. He seeks to identify not just how slavery came into the world, but crucially, how it shall be made to go out, implying a need for collective action and systemic change.

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How does O'Brien's definition of 'slavery' challenge or expand your conventional understanding of the term?

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