Reading Notes

In "1493", author, Charles C. Mann examines the interchange of world cultures, resources, food, people, and more after Columbus. He writes, "Consider the seventeenth century English entrepreneurs who wanted to make money in North America… [They chose tobacco plantations]. To do that, they would have to take down huge trees with hand tools; break up soil under the hot sun; hoe, water, and top the growing plants [and so on]… Where could the colonists acquire it [Labour]? Before answering this question, make the assumption, abundantly justified, that the colonists have few moral scruples [although devoutly religious!] about the answer and are only concerned with maximizing ease and profit." [They chose African slaves, of course ]. How little things have changed in the ensuing three hundred years – same system, same results! John Ayers. [Comments in brackets added by me]