Document Summary
Slavery as an institution in england and especially the colonies grew because it provided a source of capital and cheap labor for the production and processing of sugar, tobacco, coffee and other commodities. Freedom on the other hand grew because of the desire for self-governance and independence by the english colonies from england. This was because the 1700s was the age of revolution and enlightenment of the english middle class which was based on the ideas of natural rights and self-governance. The irony is that while the same english colonies were fighting for their independence and freedom, they were not willing to grant the same freedom and independence to those in slavery.
