The term capitalism was coined by socialists to describe existing systems where wealth accumulated into the hands of the bourgeoisie. Only later did the supporters of the existing system attempt to “reclaim” capitalism and change the meaning to this nonsense. Capitalism is not “an attempt to improve a world dominated by monopolies,” monopolies are the bread and butter of capitalism.
Painters owned their own paint supplies under feudalism. Were they “doing capitalism?” No, capitalism is not something you “do” on an individual level, it is a system that exists, and which has only existed for a few hundred years. Capitalism does not mean simply trading or owning tools.
The term capitalism was coined by socialists to describe existing systems where wealth accumulated into the hands of the bourgeoisie. Only later did the supporters of the existing system attempt to “reclaim” capitalism and change the meaning to this nonsense. Capitalism is not “an attempt to improve a world dominated by monopolies,” monopolies are the bread and butter of capitalism.
Painters owned their own paint supplies under feudalism. Were they “doing capitalism?” No, capitalism is not something you “do” on an individual level, it is a system that exists, and which has only existed for a few hundred years. Capitalism does not mean simply trading or owning tools.
Monopolies are the bread and butter of mercantilism. Capitalism was seen as a way to break up those monopolies.