History of the Great American Fortunes, Vol. I Conditions in Settlement and Colonial Times

"History of the Great American Fortunes, Vol. I" by Gustavus Myers is a historical analysis that uncovers the roots of immense wealth in America, concentrating on the settlement and colonial periods. Myers examines how land ownership and trade shaped the accumulation of riches, arguing that these fortunes arose from systematic exploitation rather than simple achievement. The narrative reveals how colonial landowners created vast estates, relying on systems such as indentured servitude and enslaved labor to fuel their economic growth. By dissecting these early dynamics, the book lays bare the foundations of inequality and exploitation that underpinned the creation of American fortunes.