Capitalism is an economic system defined by private ownership and control of trade and industry. It has a long history of violence and coercion in establishing itself globally through enclosures, imperialism, and crushing resistance. While it presents itself as natural, capitalism was spread through organized violence by elites. Competition within capitalism means both business owners and workers experience alienation, as bosses must prioritize profit and market forces over all else. There are various types of capitalism and it aims to efficiently produce goods but also creates problems like inequality, boom/bust cycles, and social divisions.