The abolition of slavery was one of the greatest achievements of Western civilization; one might also call it the crowning glory of the tradition of thought known as classical liberalism. But how did it happen? Historian Jim Powell explains. Scroll down for the show notes and mp3!

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When we consider the significance of the abolition of slavery, a ubiquitous and seemingly entrenched institution, it’s surprising how little many of us know about how it actually happened. Jim Powell shares the story with us!

Issues Discussed

Why the abolition of slavery was so peaceful in Britain

The three essential precursors to the abolition of slavery in Britain

Why it would have been better, in Powell’s words, to “let the [American] South go”

The abolition of slavery in Haiti and Brazil

Why peaceful strategies against slavery yielded better long-run outcomes

Jim’s current project, a vast historical study of how the free society came about

About the Guest

Jim Powell is a senior fellow of the Cato Institute and the author of numerous books, including FDR’s Folly, Wilson’s War, and Bully Boy: The Truth About Theodore Roosevelt’s Legacy.

Book Discussed

Greatest Emancipations: How the West Abolished Slavery.

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