Imperialism: The Final Stage of Capitalism

Vladimir Lenin's 1916 essay "Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism" explores the evolution of economic theories from Karl Marx's "Das Kapital," highlighting the significance of the global market in the 20th century. Lenin argues that colonialism and the First World War stem from the capitalist economy's expansion, leading to conflicts among empires over economic exploitation. He further contends that profits from these colonies enable the business class to pacify domestic dissent by influencing politicians and labor leaders.