This process is completely orthogonal to automation though. You could just as well have done this in 1822. If demand is minimal because the population is poor a

This process is completely orthogonal to automation though. You could just as well have done this in 1822. If demand is minimal because the population is poor automation isnt necessary to kill off jobs. The oligarchs who try to concentrate wealth will still try to scapegoat AI via mass media though, along with Mexicans, boomers, etc. or (historically), Jews.