Publisher's Synopsis
A Philosophical and Political History Volume 1: Of the Settlements and Trade of the Europeans in the East and West Indies is a book written by Abbe Raynal and published in 1777. The book is a comprehensive account of the colonization and trade practices of European nations in the East and West Indies during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. It covers the history of European settlements in India, China, Africa, and the Americas, as well as the economic and political motivations behind these colonial ventures. The book is divided into four parts, each of which covers a different geographic region. Part one focuses on India and covers topics such as the Portuguese conquest of Goa, the Dutch East India Company, and the British colonization of Bengal. Part two covers China and includes discussions of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British trade with China, as well as the Opium Wars. Part three discusses Africa and covers topics such as the slave trade, the French colonization of Senegal, and the British colonization of the Cape of Good Hope. Part four covers the Americas and includes discussions of the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru, the British colonization of North America, and the French colonization of Haiti.Throughout the book, Raynal provides a critical analysis of European colonialism and the impact it had on the societies and economies of the regions it affected. He argues that European colonization was driven primarily by economic interests and that it often resulted in the exploitation and oppression of indigenous peoples. Despite its critical stance, A Philosophical and Political History Volume 1 remains an important historical document that provides valuable insights into the history of European colonization and its impact on the world.In Five Volumes.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
