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Eh, colonialism is because of imperialism. And imperialism is a result of unbridled capitalism.[0] Some people might not have called it capitalism back then, bu

• mr_toad 9y ago
  Colonialism predates the Marxist notion of imperialism by 400 years. When the colonial powers started to conquer the world there was next to no capital. Not only did no one call it capitalism back then (the word had yet to be coined), but no serious scholar of economics, politics or history would call any pre-industrial economic system predominantly capitalist. And by arguing that “people didn’t call it capitalism back then”, you’re just proving my point. You’re just redefining capitalism to be the antonym of socialism.
  • executesorder66 9y ago
    > Colonialism predates the Marxist notion of imperialism by 400 years. I don't disagree with that. > When the colonial powers started to conquer the world there was next to no capital. The whole point is the pursuit/accumulation of capital. Even if you start with next to no capital. > no serious scholar of economics, politics or history would call any pre-industrial economic system predominantly capitalist. In my own opinion I'd say it started around 1600 with the formation of the British and Dutch East India companies. It seems this is debated by many and largely depends on your definition of capitalism. [0] So I'm happy to just agree to disagree. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_capitalism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_capitalism