It can be argued that before capitalism became a economic policy in many nations, there was always a large amount of wealth among countries in Western Europe and in fact world wide. Prior to capitalism, there too, was already a great deal of inequality measured on a worldwide basis. Many would argue that capitalism has, on an overall basis, simply created more wealth and in fact helped people in lower economic status to become more wealthy and produce a middle class of people. To a large measure, speaking about the results of capitalism requires that a more concise time frame be used.Generally speaking, other economic systems have yet to demonstrate that these systems can produce more wealth and more income equality then the "free market" ones also called capitalism.
capitalism was expressed in Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations (1776)
Marx argued that government intervention in capitalism was necessary to address the inherent inequalities and exploitative nature of the capitalist system. He believed that capitalism leads to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, resulting in the oppression of the working class. By intervening, the government could implement policies that redistribute wealth, protect workers' rights, and promote social welfare, ultimately paving the way for a transition to socialism and the dismantling of class structures.
Karl Marx believed that capitalism is oppressive because it exploits the working class and maintains social inequalities. However, he also believed that capitalism has the potential to be liberating in the sense that it can create the conditions for a more equal and just society by generating wealth and resources that could be collectively owned and managed by the workers.
Classical capitalism is defined by the book "The Wealth Of Nations" by Adam Smith.
production, distribution, and exchange of wealth
Adam Smith
Capitalism is an economic system where goods and services are produced for sale at a profit; the vast majority have to work for wages; a tiny minority own the means of production and exploit those who produce the wealth.
The Industrial Revolution gave rise to several key economic and philosophical ideologies, most notably capitalism and socialism. Capitalism, characterized by private ownership and free markets, emphasized individual entrepreneurship and profit maximization. In contrast, socialism emerged as a response to the inequalities produced by capitalism, advocating for collective ownership and the redistribution of wealth to ensure social welfare. Additionally, utilitarianism gained prominence, promoting the idea that actions should be evaluated based on their consequences for overall happiness, reflecting the changing societal values of the time.
capitalism was part of the natural development of society.
Industrial capitalism originated in Great Britain during the 18th century. It shaped the economic landscape of the world by promoting mass production, technological advancements, and global trade. This led to the rise of factories, urbanization, and the accumulation of wealth by a small group of capitalists. The spread of industrial capitalism to other countries fueled economic growth and transformed societies, but also led to social inequalities and exploitation of labor.
Socialism emerged as a response to capitalism's perceived shortcomings, particularly the inequalities and exploitation that arose from unregulated market practices. It sought to address the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, advocating for collective ownership and democratic control over the means of production. By prioritizing social welfare, equity, and workers' rights, socialism aimed to create a more just and equitable society, countering the individualistic and competitive nature of capitalism.
Desire of wealth is spirit of capitalism which is a driving force behind stock market volatility and economic growth. Investors for want of wealth and status trade heavily in stock market.