1. What political, social, and cultural impact did the production of sugar in the colonies have on England? How did sugar play a role in the rise of industrial capitalism?

2. According to Mintz, how are tastes formulated? Why did sugar consumption in England increase 25-fold between 1650 and 1800? Why did sugar consumption rise even more quickly after 1850?

3. What is the relationship in Mintz's argument between consumption and production?

4. Mintz has been criticized by Marxist scholars. What do you think they would find problematic about his book?

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