The Age of Imperialism, Part I

Abstract

A focal point of Lenin's theory of imperialism is the classification of imperialism as a special stage in the development of capitalism, arising towards the end of the 19th century. This attempt to give imperialism such a specific historical reference date has been a subject of controversy, the main objection being that many of the features considered characteristic of imperialism are found early in the game and throughout the history of capitalism: the urgency to develop a world market, the struggle to control foreign sources of raw materials, the competitive hunt for colonies, and the tendency towards concentration of capital.

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