Capitalism and slavery were symbiotically linked systems of oppression from "summary" of Capitalism & Slavery by Eric Eustace Williams
The relationship between capitalism and slavery can be seen as a symbiotic one, where both systems of oppression reinforced and supported each other. Capitalism, as an economic system, relied heavily on the institution of slavery to drive profits and build wealth. The exploitation of enslaved labor allowed for the accumulation of capital that fueled the growth of capitalist economies. Slavery provided a cheap and abundant source of labor that was essential for the production of goods and the expansion of markets. The brutal treatment of enslaved people, their forced labor, and the extraction of their labor value were central to the functioning of capitalist economies. The dehumanization and exploitation of enslaved individuals were justified and perpetuated by the profit motive of capitalism. In turn, capitalism helped to perpetuate and institutionalize slavery through its emphasis on profit maximization and the commodification of human beings. The need for cheap labor and the desire for wealth accumulation drove the demand for enslaved labor and the expansion of the slave trade. The profits generated from the exploitation of enslaved labor were used to further invest in capitalist enterprises and bolster economic growth. The interconnectedness of capitalism and slavery meant that both systems were mutually reinforcing and dependent on each other for their continued existence. The pursuit of profit and the perpetuation of slavery were intertwined in a vicious cycle of exploitation and oppression. This symbiotic relationship between capitalism and slavery laid the foundation for the development of modern capitalist economies and entrenched systems of racial inequality and injustice.
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