In Sven Beckert’s book Empire of Cotton, he discusses the development of modern capitalism’s first industry (and empire), that of global cotton. The complex interplay of states, capitalists, waged workers, peasants and slaves created the foundation of the world economy we now inhabit. Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Sho
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Explaining History Podcast
For more than a decade, the Explaining History Podcast has helped listeners around the world make sense of modern history. What began in 2012 as a simple experiment—short, accessible episodes explaining major historical events—has grown into a long-running library of carefully researched, thoughtful explorations of the 20th and 21st centuries.
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