Harvard historian Sven Beckert, author of Empire of Cotton: A Global History, tells us why cotton helps us understand capitalism. How Europe was able to dominate the global cotton trade. The difference between “mercantile” capitalism and “war” capitalism. Slavery and the growth of global cotton. How Southern slavery is a part of national and global history. Why the British Empire focused cotton production on India. How nation states were central to the development of capitalism and modern sweatshop labor and the history of capitalist development.

On The Fun Half: Debating Donald Trump’s Muslim ban with our “Constitutionalist” caller Doug. Ted Cruz surges in Iowa. Donald Trump goes full Fascist and Sam gets into a heated debate with Michael Steele and your calls and IMs.

Members make the Majority Report possible. Please join us by becoming a MEMBER. You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation. Thanks!