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Cover of The Slave Trade, Domestic and Foreign: Why It Exists, and How It May Be Extinguished

The Slave Trade, Domestic and Foreign: Why It Exists, and How It May Be Extinguished

Written by Henry Charles Carey

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SlaveryWorking classSlave tradeLaborTariff

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About this book

"The Slave Trade, Domestic and Foreign" by Henry Charles Carey is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book examines the institution of slavery both in domestic contexts, particularly in the United States, and in foreign territories, focusing on its wide-ranging implications and the historical forces that sustain it. Carey aims to discuss why slavery persists and what can be done to eliminate it, delving into the moral, economic, and social arguments surrounding this profound issue. At the start of the narrative, Carey emphasizes the pervasive nature of slavery, detailing various forms it takes around the world and highlighting the moral outrage it evokes, particularly in connection with the African slave trade. He presents a call to action from women in England to their American counterparts, urging them to recognize and combat the injustices faced by enslaved people. The text also sets the stage for a deeper exploration of slavery's historical roots and the socioeconomic systems that have allowed it to flourish. Carey's preface establishes a critical tone, suggesting that prevailing views may be misguided, and posits that understanding the true causes of slavery is essential for devising effective methods to abolish it.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Slave Trade, Domestic and Foreign: Why It Exists, and How It May Be Extinguished, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • analytical
  • critical
  • didactic

Henry Charles Carey's "The Slave Trade, Domestic and Foreign" is a mid-19th-century treatise that rigorously examines the institution of slavery, both within the United States and globally, through a distinct economic lens. Carey posits that slavery is not merely a moral failing but a direct consequence of specific economic conditions, particularly the lack of diversified industrial development and the dynamics of international trade. The book systematically dissects the historical roots and socioeconomic systems that sustain slavery, arguing that prevailing views on its causes are often misguided. Ultimately, Carey advocates for a comprehensive approach to abolition, emphasizing economic self-sufficiency and protectionist policies as the most effective means to eradicate this pervasive injustice.

“Slavery is a consequence, not a cause, of the absence of diversified agriculture and local industry.”

Key themes

Economic Determinism of Slavery
Carey's central thesis is that slavery is not primarily a moral or racial issue, but rather an economic one, stemming from specific market conditions and trade imbalances. He argues that the absence of diversified industry and the reliance on raw material export (often facilitated by free trade policies) create an environment where slave labor becomes economically viable and even 'necessary' for certain regions to participate in the global economy.
Protectionism vs. Free Trade
Carey is a staunch advocate for protectionist policies, arguing that they are essential for national development and, consequently, for the abolition of slavery. He critiques free trade as a system that benefits dominant industrial powers (like Britain) by keeping other nations as suppliers of cheap raw materials, thus hindering their industrial growth and perpetuating systems of coerced labor. Protectionism, in his view, allows nascent industries to grow, creating diversified economies that can support free, well-paid labor.
Human Dignity and the Value of Free Labor
While heavily focused on economics, Carey grounds his arguments in a fundamental moral opposition to slavery, emphasizing the inherent dignity of human beings and the superior value of free labor. He argues that treating humans as commodities is not only morally reprehensible but also economically inefficient in the long run, as it stifles innovation, reduces productivity, and prevents the full development of human potential and societal wealth.

Worth discussing

How does Carey's economic analysis of slavery challenge or complement the moral and political arguments for abolition prevalent in his time?

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