HIST 103 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Silk, Industrial Revolution
Document Summary
When, why, and how did war capitalism develop. Earlier period, from around 1400 to ~1850, this era is called war capitalism. Wealth produced during industrial revolution, was used to advance economy. Capitalism: refers to an economic system systematically organized around the pursuit of profit. Not the best definition, but this is what we"re gonna use. Industrial capitalism (pursuit of profit through the production of goods). But also included various drug-like substances, to which people can develop addictions. This was interesting, b/c the was the first time these foods were ever being consumed, and introduced. Also held this vast idea, this culture that you could become different , by. Alcohol and opium: provide relaxation, and quell hunger pains. Most of these drug foods were produced only in the tropical world. Functioned historically as a source of what we might call super-profits. Development and growth of capitalism rested on the violent seizure of land and labour.
