Political Moralizing about the History of Slavery

Authors: Robert W. Fogel and Stanley L. Engerman

- Focus: Economics of American Negro Slavery

- Key elements analyzed:

- Role of New England slave traders

- Profitability of slave labor

- Living conditions of slaves on Southern plantations

Criticism and Response

- Accusations against Fogel and Engerman:

- Described as "amoral" and "selling slavery"

- Authors' stance:

- Rejected the label of "amoral"

- Recognized failure to address moral issues

- Admitted need for a religious perspective to fully understand the antislavery ethic

Afterword Insights (1989)

- Not an apology but an acknowledgment of moral concerns

- Parallel drawn to political debates surrounding historical interpretation

- Reflection on alienation of Black scholars by the authors’ earlier work

Observation of Political Hypocrisy

- Northern politicians emphasized slavery's brutality in Southern debates

- Avoided addressing their own history as slave states

- Notable quotes from politicians reflecting double standards and hypocrisy

Critique of Moral Narratives

- Progressive critics focused solely on brutality

- Attempted to suppress varied depictions of slave life

- Claims of increased violence post-emancipation, often exaggerated

Hypocrisy in Moral Authority

- Definition of hypocrisy:

- Undermining moral authority through inconsistency between actions and judgments

- Recognized that while slavery is immoral, critics often seek political gains rather than genuine discourse

Validating Fogel and Engerman's Approach

- Importance of studying slave economy objectively

- Refutation of the accusation of "selling slavery"

- Acknowledement of alternate narratives and correction of historical understandings

- Emphasized the need for multifaceted analysis of history to avoid victimization of Black culture and contributions

- Fogel and Engerman aimed to enrich American historical understanding

- Highlighted culture, achievements, and development of Black Americans

- Challenged narratives that simplify or diminish the complexity of the slave experience

https://mises.org/mises-wire/political-moralizing-about-history-slavery