capitalism, producers will be forced by competition to use their resources in ways that will best satisfy the wants of consumers. Self-interest and the pursuit of gain lead them to do this. Under this system a minimum of government supervision is required; if competition is present, economic activity will be self-determining. Government will be necessary only to protect society from foreign attack, uphold the rights of private property, and guarantee contracts.

Capitalism had many human costs. Because of self-interest and the desire to make as much profits as possible abusive child labor, long working hours, and dangerous and unhealthy workplaces were common. The predisposition toward corporate control of manufacturing led to many attempts to create monopolies that could control an entire industry. Despite such difficulties, capitalism continued to expand and prosper almost without limit throughout the 19th century. It was successful because it demonstrated an enormous ability to create new wealth and to raise the real standard of living for nearly everyone touched by it. As the century closed, capitalism was the dominant economic and s

Some common words found in the essay are:
, economic social, economic system, control production, economic activity, private property, sellers markets,
Approximate Word count = 773
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)