This book investigates the complex interplay between warfare, imperial expansion, and the institution of slavery in the period between 1770 and 1830. Richard Bessel examines how the demands of empire and the economic imperatives of slave-based economies fueled conflict, and conversely, how warfare reshaped imperial policies and the practice of slavery. The work draws upon extensive archival research and secondary scholarship to present a nuanced argument about the interconnectedness of these forces during a pivotal era of global transformation.

This book is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly concerning the interconnectedness of war, empire, and slavery. Scholars likely view Bessel's work as a detailed synthesis that highlights the causal relationships between these phenomena. The book's scope suggests it will be of interest to specialists in Atlantic history, military history, and the history of slavery, offering a comprehensive overview of a critical period.