Is modern society more prosperous because we're freer, or are we freer because we're more prosperous?  In this episode, Christopher L. Brown of Columbia University discusses the history of the transatlantic slave trade, the role national identity played in dismantling the institution of slavery, and whether economic drivers carried more weight than moral ones in the rise of the abolitionist movement. Chris's book, Moral Capital: Foundations of British Abolitionism, can be purchased here: https://uncpress.org/book/9780807856987/moral-capital/ For additional commentary on this episode and other issues of the day, sign up for YDHTY's newsletter at YDHTY.com/news