The Birth of Capitalism: The Rise of the Modern Economy in the 19th Century

The Birth of Capitalism: The Rise of the Modern Economy in the 19th Century by Oliver Shaw explores the transformative journey of capitalism during the 19th century, a period marked by industrialization, technological innovations, and global economic shifts. This book traces how traditional economies based on agriculture and artisanal production evolved into the modern capitalist systems that dominate the world today. It delves into the growth of industrial capitalism, the rise of corporate power, the creation of monopolies, and the expansion of global trade networks, all while examining the profound social and environmental impacts that accompanied these changes. Shaw provides a critical look at the key figures and ideas that shaped this new economic order, including industrialists, entrepreneurs, economists, and social reformers. With an in-depth analysis of the economic, political, and social dimensions of this era, the book offers a comprehensive narrative of the forces that gave birth to the modern economy, highlighting both the achievements and contradictions of capitalism in shaping the world as we know it.