Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism

Historical Context and Significance

The book "Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism," written by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin in 1916, is one of the key works of Marxist theory, analyzing the development of capitalism at the beginning of the 20th century. Lenin describes imperialism as the last stage of capitalism, characterized by the concentration of production and capital, the formation of monopolies, the merging of banking and industrial capital, the export of capital, and the struggle for the division of the world among the largest capitalist powers. This work had a significant impact on the development of Marxist thought and became a theoretical foundation for understanding the economic and political processes of that time. It also played an important role in shaping the ideology of communist movements and parties, inspiring revolutionary movements worldwide. The book contributed to the spread of ideas about the necessity of fighting imperialism and capitalism, influencing the political and social life of many countries in the 20th century.