The Economic Consequences of the Peace · Question
How does The Economic Consequences of the Peace develop the theme of Social Upheaval and Revolution?
Answer
The Economic Consequences of the Peace by John Maynard Keynes develops Social Upheaval and Revolution across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book warns that the economic devastation and starvation caused by the Treaty will lead to social collapse, political extremism, and revolution across Europe, as seen in the examples of Russia and Austria.
The chapter suggests that Russia's population explosion may have contributed more to its revolution than Lenin or the errors of autocracy.
The war left Europe with a population in excess of available livelihood, destroyed organization, and impaired food supplies, risking social collapse.
The economic collapse and financial instability described foreshadow social unrest and the rise of extremist movements.
Evidence in the book
- Population
The chapter suggests that Russia's population explosion may have contributed more to its revolution than Lenin or the errors of autocracy.
- IV: The Relation of the Old World to the New
The war left Europe with a population in excess of available livelihood, destroyed organization, and impaired food supplies, risking social collapse.
- The Conference and the Terms of the Treaty
The economic collapse and financial instability described foreshadow social unrest and the rise of extremist movements.
- VI: Europe After the Treaty
The chapter warns that starvation and inflation may lead to revolution, citing Lenin's methods and the weakness of the capitalist class.
- VII: Remedies
Keynes warns that economic privation may lead to revolution, but notes that revolution offers no improvement for general suffering.
- Endnotes
The notes document the humanitarian catastrophe in Central Europe, with widespread disease, malnutrition, and suffering among civilian populations.
