DeeMac, Linden, Caroline - thanks for contributing. I've been down and out with a BAAD cold, but I am now catching up. I appreciate the wealth of information brought to this thread, including Caroline's Economic Geography course (points not mentioned in the Newsweek article, I see).

I have very little to add to this thread, except to say that I have seen a sugar factory (and plantation) at work when I was about 8 or 9. I remember little, except that it was hot, sticky, and uncomfortable (this for the visitors).

By all means, let us start a new thread, on JA's comparisons of slavery, industrialization, governessing (and the general position of women). I cannot promise to contribute very much, but I would certainly read it with great interest.

P.S. I hope that Caroline's "other little problem" is over.

Shinjinee