Andrea/Overfield, The Human Record: Sources of Global History,
The book:
Andrea/Overfield, The Human Record: Sources of Global History, vol. II
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Answer ONE of the following in a well-organized, formal, argumentative/persuasive essay. Be sure to provide specific evidence to support your thesis. Suggested length: 3-4 double-spaced pages.
1. In Andrea, chapter five, there is a selection from Adam Smith’s classic book, The Wealth of Nations. This work made Smith “The Father of Capitalism” and in this excerpt, he attacked the supporters of mercantile capitalism, arguing for free trade and free markets. What arguments did Smith make on behalf of capitalism? What did he think was wrong with mercantilism? How and why was his work as an economist “modern” and “revolutionary?”
OR
2. In Andrea, chapter Six, the section on “Multiple Voices” presents documents on “Ending the Slave Trade.” Discuss the arguments made by those opposing the slave trade and those supporting it. Were the arguments moral or economic, practical or philosophical? How would these arguments have sounded during the 1700s? Were they radical and revolutionary? Why or why not?
