Slavery was a blip compared to industrialization. Slavery was frequent but led to minor growth in gdp (as evidenced by Columbus living at only twice the averag

Slavery was a blip compared to industrialization. Slavery was frequent but led to minor growth in gdp (as evidenced by Columbus living at only twice the average standard of living of Jesus-times in 0 AD). Cheap labor perhaps even stalled industrialization, which lead to living standards doubling every 5-10 years during the fastest periods. Slavery was a better wealth generator for the slaveholders than nothing, but the idea that it’s some great wealth generator compared so what came after is ridiculous. Maybe 1% of the wealth of the US came from slavery, steam power is a much much larger chunk, and computing thereafter.