8. Progressive reaction to industrial domination (the industrial monopolies) had nothing to do with the reforms that were a reaction to that way of life (social injustices, poverty, social inequalities etc.).

Running Head : PROGRESSIVE REACTION

Progressive Reaction to Industrial Domination

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Problem Statement : Progressive reaction to industrial domination has nothing to do with the reforms that were a reaction to that way of life

This statement is generally false . Progressive reaction to industrial domination has something to do with the reforms that were a reaction to that way of life

Corollary to the development of the modern nation-state was the development of capitalism . The strength of the nation-state depended primarily on the creation of strong domestic markets

. This could not be done if the significant portion of a nation 's wealth is owned by the state . There was a need to stimulate private ownership of capital . This would ensure that private competition would lead to the maximization of societal welfare . In addition , intense competition in the private sector would allow any government some leverage in finance . Intense competition would also immune the government from the vagrancies of private interests (Marx , 1887 /1999

In the 1820s , however , capitalism became the predominant economic mode in Europe . Its influence was felt everywhere from the common artisan in the countryside to the factory owner in the cities . Its benefits were quite immanent to some sectors of the society . European countries at that time experienced high levels of output and revenues . Unemployment was below the natural rate of unemployment . It seemed that capitalism was a good ' economic mode , far from the defunct mercantilist system

However , the bad ' effects of capitalism became manifest . Although unemployment was largely non-existent in some countries , employment became more and more irregular in nature . Pollution also increased due to the lack of guiding mechanisms of various governments in protecting the environment from the rudiments of a rogue , profit-driven market . The biggest obstacle for development was the existence of the so-called industrial domination ' Industrial domination is a socio-politico-economic concept used to denote the existence of large monopolies that have a direct or indirect means to affect policy changes . Capitalists who acquired wealth from unfriendly competition became to send their agenda ' to various political bodies of European governments . Some capitalists oppressed their workers by extending their working hours (or by cutting their wages ) in direct disregard for the welfare of their workers (Marx , 1887 /1999 . Industrial nations at that time did not have clear laws and statutes for protecting the welfare of the workers and breaking-up large monopolies (with environmental protection as a supplementary goal

Thus , the creation of progressive reaction movements became immanent In England , for example , the continued exploitation and abuse of the Thames River forced the residents of London to destroy some factories near the side of the river . This generally forced the British parliament to create a special law protecting the Thames River from further degradation (from industrial pollution . In a way , this action broke the power of the London capitalists (usually those engaged in iron and coal production

In Germany , the continued unrests of the workers against some powerful capitalists almost erupted into a general revolt . The...