What are the 4 phases of capitalism?

Answer 1

This is a pointer to a possible answer...not an answer. There was an Englishman in the 1800's who'd written a treatise on the subject and I'm at a loss to specific details as it's been over 40 years since I've read it.

That being said, his description of the stages of capitalism went something like this:

Initially people barter with their personal production. Next craftsmen evolve who create more complex and desirable products which are sold and form the basis for the first businesses. Then partnerships/guilds/cooperatives are created to create more complex products or more geographically dispersed distribution of products. These evolve into corporations specifically to allow an increase in wealth/size to the producers in exchange for shared ownership. The natural direction for corporations, in their mandate to grow and increase wealth is to form oligarchies, with the ultimate goal (if unfettered) of becoming a monopoly.

Answer 2

The four phases of capitalism are private, joint stock, casino, and whiz kid.