Industrial capitalism (or industrialism) was the second stage of capitalism, emerged in England in the 18th century with the advent of the Industrial Revolution.
Industrial capitalism replaced the commercial model in force in Europe since the 15th century. Before, the economy revolved around mercantilist practices of buying, selling and exchanging spices, metals and agricultural products. With the industrialization process, the economy was dominated by mass production and industry became the main economic sector.
Industrial capitalism began with the First Industrial Revolution, around 1750 and was definitively established in the second half of the 19th century with the Second Industrial Revolution (also called Technological Revolution).
Historically, industrialism is the second of three stages of capitalism:
- Commercial or mercantile capitalism (also called pre-capitalism): 15th to 18th century;
- Industrial capitalism or industrialism: from the 18th to the 19th century;
- Financial or monopoly capitalism: from the 20th century onwards.
Historical context of industrial capitalism
The capitalist economic system was strongly affected by technological advances initiated in England in the 18th century. During the period, the manual manufacturing process was replaced by steam machinery and automated tools.
The shift in production paradigms brought about by the Industrial Revolution affected all aspects of life in Europe, and later in the world. Through it there was great population growth, increase in average wages and improved quality of life.
Inevitably, the Industrial Revolution had an irreversible impact on the economy with the exponential increase in the production of goods and the consumer market. Naturally, industry became the most profitable sector and, consequently, the new panorama of capitalism.
Characteristics of industrial capitalism
All the characteristics of industrial capitalism were the consequences brought about by technological advances in the means of production:
- Industrialization of the means of production;
- Significant increase in productivity;
- Mechanization and emergence of new technologies;
- Invention and improvement of means of transport;
- Strengthening international relations through trade;
- Intensification of globalization and imperialism;
- Urban and population growth;
- Social division of work;
- Salaried work and increase in average wages;
- Increased social inequality (due to the concentration of income in the hands of the bourgeoisie that owns the means of production).
See too: characteristics of globalization.
Industrial Capitalism in Brazil
Industrial capitalism only started to establish itself in Brazil in the 19th century, when the effects of the Industrial Revolution hit the country.
Brazilian industrial capitalism first manifested itself in the state of São Paulo, when the coffee crisis forced producers to invest heavily in the industry. This investment spread to other food sectors, as well as to the textile industry, transforming the Southeast region into the country's industrial hub.
Consequences of industrial capitalism in Brazil
The industrialization of capitalism in Brazil brought about the same consequences suffered in the rest of the world, in addition to others of a specific nature:
- extension of planting areas;
- introduction of machines in the national production process;
- valorization in the international scenario;
- reduction of Brazilian dependence on imported products;
- emergence of the first highways in the country;
- increase in the number of immigrants;
- growth of urban centers and rural exodus.
See too:
- Capitalism
- financial capitalism
- Characteristics of Capitalism
- Industrial Revolution
- second industrial revolution
- third industrial revolution
- Mercantilism
