# Inequality and the Capitalist System in The Economic Consequences of the Peace

> Theme guide for The Economic Consequences of the Peace by John Maynard Keynes.

Keynes analyzes how pre-war capitalism relied on extreme inequality and the 'virtue' of saving by the rich, a psychological and social bluff that the war has exposed, threatening the entire system of accumulation.

## Where it surfaces

- [Europe Before the War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_economic_consequences_of_the_peace_se/chapters/ii-europe-before-the-war): Argues that inequality enabled vast capital accumulation, as the rich saved rather than consumed, funding railways and other infrastructure.
- [III: The Psychology of Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_economic_consequences_of_the_peace_se/chapters/iii-the-psychology-of-society): Keynes argues that inequality was essential for capital accumulation, as the rich saved most of their income, and the poor were compelled to accept a small share.
- [VI: Europe After the Treaty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_economic_consequences_of_the_peace_se/chapters/vi-europe-after-the-treaty): Inflation arbitrarily redistributes wealth, enriching profiteers and impoverishing the bourgeoisie, undermining confidence in capitalism.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_economic_consequences_of_the_peace_se/themes/inequality_and_capitalism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_economic_consequences_of_the_peace_se/themes