American slavery was the second worst slavery in history, it was more brutal to the generations. Yet, it wasn't a pure dig your own grave.
Most history is market "slavery", rule of law, and a "humble dictator"/ someone with a council.
In America you had brothers fight over what lead them away from Africa. 80% of 1st generation (1600+) slaves walked to the boat. 20% ended up because of usual rule of law bullshit.
I've heard the civil war minimal wage argument.
And after came the Irish, ..., some of those filth pits were worse than slave quarters.