The rise, progress, and phases of human slavery
How it came into the world and how it shall be made to go out
"The Rise, Progress, and Phases of Human Slavery" by James Bronterre O'Brien is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the origins and evolution of slavery, examining its various forms and how it has persisted throughout history. O'Brien delves into the societal impacts of slavery and its links to concepts of inequality, emphasizing the plight of the working classes as a modern form of slavery. At the start of this profound exploration, O'Brien sets a critical tone, discussing the urgent need for social reform in a world fraught with slavery, both overt and masked under various legal and social pretenses. He reflects on the universality of slavery across civilizations and eras, including its presence in so-called civilized nations. O'Brien introduces the concept of "Proletarianism," arguing that the working classes are akin to slaves, trapped in a cycle of exploitation resulting from the historical evolution of slavery and the ineffectual reforms that followed. His examination traces back to the ancient roots of slavery, linking it to the despotic power of familial authority, and highlights the crucial role of Christianity in the gradual emancipation of slaves, only to reveal how such emancipations led to the rise of a new class of suffering individuals— the modern proletariat.