Page:Lenin - The Collapse of the Second International - tr. Sirnis (1919).pdf/73



, which is developing at a fast rate, calls for the extension of market, but the conditions of existence of the exploited proletariat have only become worse. And following on the colossal accumulations of capital, new spheres for investment are being sought, as well as new possibilities for intensifying the process of increasing and producing economic wealth.

Hand in hand with the growing exports of commodities and capital, of means of production and transportation, the world interchange of commodities is carried on on an ever larger scale. Thus the profit-making system which is embracing the whole world is being more and more extended. The employers' organisations, such as the cartells and trusts, which are ener­getically supported by protective tariffs and which more and more tend to dominate economic life will make effective use of their influence over the policy of their respective States, so that governmental power may be placed at the service of their aspirations for foreign expansion, in order that large portions of the world’s economic regions be included in the sphere of their influence and domination, and that foreign rivals be excluded. To achieve this end coercion of the grossest kind is regarded as permissible as long as there is a guarantee of success. The unblushing policy of plunder and annexation, whose anti-national character was branded by the Party Conference at Mainz as long ago as 1900, is a consequence of these imperialistic aspirations for expansion. In order that marauding expeditions may be carried out successfully and booty be secured, instruments of murder are being multiplied and perfected in an unheard-of degree.

Between States whose capitalist class has the same need for expansion and which, to satisfy this need, pursues the same aims, arise grievous conflicts and sharp antagonisms which in their turn stimulate the present mad growth of armaments.

The danger thus created and which bears in its womb the countless miseries of a world war is being rendered still more acute by the shameless agitation on the part of the capitalist magnates and junkers who have a special interest in supplying war materials, in enlarging the bureaucratic apparatus, and in filling the leading posts in the army and navy.

Imperialism increases the power of the jingo firebrands, threatens the right of trade union organisation, and retards the advance of a social policy. The expenditure on armaments piles upon the masses an unbearable burden, while their health is undermined in the increased cost of articles of prime necessity.