Capitalism Defined: economic system where the means of production are owned by private citizens with the goal of making a profit. Adam Smith - Father of Capitalism Wrote the famous book: ______________________________________ He believed in a free market system where ___________ and _____________ run the market. Laissez-faire - Government stays out (“Hands Off”) the economy. Private ownership - _______________, not the government own property and make decisions. Competition - businesses competing will lead to lower prices and better products. Exploitation of workers - owners place ___________ above all else. Employees are expendable. Growing gap between the rich and poor (rich get richer, poor stay poor). Eventually, workers will unite in _____________ to get reforms such as better working conditions, insurance, more $, etc. (Reform or Progressive Era)