Industrial Revolution Dbq

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Capitalism vs Socialism During the Industrial Revolution, technology was advancing at a rapid rate. Now, products are being made and distributed across the globe at rates never seen before. Some people in the market get rich, and some get deep into poverty. This is where capitalism, an economy that the government has full control of, and socialism, an economy where the government has no control of the economy and is based solely on the people, emerge into the scene. Now that the economy is at its peak, the government may or may not have to intervene. The role of the government and how the wealth in the economy is distributed are two political and economic factors that influence societies to make policy choices for their nations. How the wealth …show more content…

Modern industry has converted the little workshop of the patriarchal master into the great factory of the industrial capitalist. Masses of laborers crowded into the factory, organized like soldiers. They are slaves of the machine and the manufacturer. Instead of rising as the industry progresses, they sink deeper and deeper into poverty” (Document 2). This is significant because as the rich get richer, the people who struggle barely survive or get deeper into poverty. It is as if the working class are slaves. The rich control a mass group of the working class and as they get richer the working class struggles to hold on. However, a capitalist would say that capitalism is helping society. Excerpts from The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, “The sole purpose of all production is to provide the best goods to the consumer at the lowest price. Society should help producers of goods only to the extent that assisting them benefits the consumer” (Document 3). This displays that society gives to the capitalist economy, they get something back in return. When a consumer helps the producer, they both help each other. This can lead to a more trusted relationship throughout all of …show more content…

This is significant because Adam claims that the way for the nation to exceed in growth is to let the market be free. People have freedom for which they can produce and sell without anything restricting them. However, a socialist would say that the role of the government is to protect a man from harm and his rights. John Lock, First Treatise, Chapter 9, “Government begins for the preservation of every man’s right and property, by preserving him from the violence or injury of others, is for the good of the governed” (Document 4). This illustrates how important it is for the government to protect the people. For example, the working class is not protected by the government in a capitalist economy. If the government is there to enforce rules, then the working class wouldn’t have to struggle in poverty. Capitalism and socialism play a big role in the purpose of the government. Both systems have 2 different purposes of

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