Slavery

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
So they could buy their freedom. That's different...there's a way out of it.

Mass emancipation led to increased poverty and crime, among other things.

Originally posted by Bosse de Nage
Mass emancipation led to increased poverty and crime, among other things.

These were short term problems associated with the pace of change.

People are more productive when they work for themselves.

Greed is a better motivator than fear. Capitalistic pressure can cause slavery, but it normally evolves into a more pleasant form as it is better economics. Unhappy workforce is often not a productive one.

Roman slavery was such an economic success BECAUSE it was better than the slavery practiced elsewhere. Roman slaves had hope of freedom. Then Roman society became to restrictive and class concious; Rome declined due to a lack of slaves. But also because it was less of a meritocracy.

Originally posted by petrosianpupil
These were short term problems associated with the pace of change.

Not that short-term, the consequences are still visible in my society.

I have no idea whether the relationship between plantation bosses and their minions approximated that of the ancient Romans and their personnel. I don't imagine the Southern gentry were educated by their slaves in the same way that Greek slaves polished their masters' glosses. Although Puddn'head Wilson is an argument for a different kind of educational influence.