Chapter 6 The Atlantic Slave Trade and the Holocaust

Chapter 6, titled, "The Atlantic Slave Trade and the Holocaust: A Comparative Analysis" by Seymour Drescher explores the similarities and differences between the slave trade going on from the 1500's through 1800's and the Holocaust in Europe. His first difference which he points out is the difference in timeframe of these two periods. Next he looks at the economic value that accompanied both of the systems of slavery and the Holocaust and the economic gain that was present from the enslavement of Africans.While the economic incentive was the principle draw for peoples involvement in the slave trade, there was no financial gain from the killing of Jews in the Holocaust. The Holocaust was confined to 4 years. Most obviously, the point of transportation came down to value, the Jews being transported were worthless to the Germans, so the transportation of these people was not given priority; with the slaves however, the safe transport was essential.