The Age of Capital

Author: (English) Eric Hobsbawm / Zhang Xiaohua et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: The 19th century was an era dominated by liberal bourgeois ideology, a century of transforming the world. Born amidst revolutionary turmoil, it flourished on capital accumulation and reached its zenith with imperial expansion, only to collapse abruptly. The age of capital was a grand play starring the bourgeoisie, leading the progress. New technologies like railways and steamships expanded the stage from Europe to the world. Dressed modestly, the main characters performed with confidence and composure in this era of grandeur and majesty, devoid of dramatic ups and downs but full of magnificent victories. After a brief and fervent prelude of revolution, the triumphant hymn of capitalism resonated globally. In an era of economic prosperity, the victors who controlled capital and technology dominated the traditionalists who had failed. Millions of peasants left the land, which had become commodities, and flowed into cities and factories, slowly forging their worker consciousness in the vast environment. Respected by all, the bourgeoisie created an immortal legend of liberalism within their solid family fortress. Evolutionism led science forward, while realism stifled artistic creativity. In 1875, an unprecedented long depression crept silently into the age of empire.