Empire of Cotton 1

Introduction to the book 'Empire of Cotton: A Global History' by Sven Beckert and the author's background as the co-director of the program on the study of capitalism at Harvard University.

Exploration of the history of cotton production from ancient times in Asia, Aztec Mexico, and China, including the processing of cotton into cloth through spinning and weaving.

Discussion of the trade routes for cotton, including the Silk Route, and the transition from wool and linen to cotton as a major fabric choice in the 1600s.

Explanation of how Europeans spread out, discovered the United States, and influenced cotton production through armed merchant companies like the British East India Company.

Narrative of the Opium Wars in China, where the British promoted opium production and trade, leading to conflicts with the Chinese Emperor and the initiation of the Opium Wars.

Description of British colonization in India under the British East India Company, including the implementation of oppressive measures, impact on local industries like weaving, and resistance movements led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi.

Overview of the mechanization of cotton production during the Industrial Revolution, including the setup of cotton mills, spinning mules, and power looms for mass production of cotton cloth.

Discussion on the use of African slaves in cotton plantations in warm regions like the Southern United States, Brazil, and the Caribbean, and the impact of slavery on society.

Explanation of the U.S. Civil War, the role of Abraham Lincoln in ending slavery, the formation of the Confederacy, and the participation of black soldiers known as Buffalo Soldiers in the war.