The Emergence of Capitalism in Early America

De: Christopher W. Calvo

Narrado por: Kevin Moriarty

Many scholars assume that early American economists were committed to Adam Smith’s ideas of free trade and small government. Debunking this belief, Christopher W. Calvo provides a comprehensive history of the nation’s economic thought from 1790 to 1860, tracing the development of a uniquely American understanding of capitalism.

The Emergence of Capitalism in Early America shows how American economists challenged, adjusted, and adopted the ideas of European thinkers such as Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and Thomas Malthus to suit their particular interests. Calvo not only explains the divisions between American free trade and the version put forward by Smith, but he also discusses the sharp differences between northern and southern liberal economists.

Emergent capitalism fostered a dynamic discourse in early America, including a homegrown version of socialism burgeoning in antebellum industrial quarters, as well as a reactionary brand of conservative economic thought circulating on slave plantations across the Old South. This volume also traces the origins and rise of nineteenth-century protectionism, a system that Calvo views as the most authentic expression of American political economy. Finally, Calvo examines early Americans’ awkward relationship with capitalism’s most complex institutionfinance.

The book is published by University Press of Florida. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2020 Christopher W. Calvo (P)2024 Redwood Audiobooks

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Provides an impressive, close analysis and erudite argument about American political economy before the Civil War.” (American Nineteenth Century History)

“Will be read with great profit by those interested in both economic history and the history of antebellum America...Highly recommended.” (Choice)

“A fantastic addition to the discourse on American political economy and its intellectual components.” (H-Net)