Die Geschichte des Capitalismus

by Arne Daniels, Stefan Schmitz

Nothing has changed the world so much in the last thousand years as the successful rise of capitalism. The result is unimaginable prosperity, but also oppressive poverty. Progress, but also injustice. The mechanisms are not always the same, but they are the new drives out the old, the efficient replaces the traditional. Better, faster, cheaper – whoever cannot keep up in this race loses. This book addresses historical questions in the context of the present time. In essence it is about our lives as well, about globalisation and its consequences. The history of capitalism is also the history of the effort of reining in this predator without laming it. Also true is that the certainties of today can become the misconceptions of tomorrow. At the end of the 1960s in West Germany, it was believed that only the government could create economic expansion, provide jobs for all, and maintain the value of the currency. Today most economists consider that nonsense. This is a prime example of the principle that what everyone believes to be true does not necessarily remain true forever. What is happening today has its roots in the past, something of great interest to us because it concerns the fate of humanity. By way of call-outs, graphics, and illustrations, central ideas are explained and technological innovations are described. A timeline presents the events in their historical contexts. Part 1: From the Field to the Factory – Farewell to Feudalism Part 2: The Misery of Progress – Industrialisation Part 3: Accept Any Job – The World Economic Crises Part 4: Prosperity for All – Social Market Economy Part 5: Banished from Paradise – The Limits of Growth Part 6: The Locusts Are Coming – Globalisation Press PressOpinions Author Arne Daniels, born in 1961, was a student of history. He was for many years an editor for Die Zeit, writing on economic and socio-political themes. Since 2000 he has been reporter for Stern. Stefan Schmitz, born in 1964, studied political science. He worked as a correspondent in Bonn for Focus and Reuters. Since 1999 he has been a reporter for Stern.

212 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2006