The major debate of the 19th century was not between capitalism and socialism or communism, but between those who believed in the power of individual ideas and those who believed in impersonal hi
This essay discusses the major debate of the 19th century, which was not between capitalism and socialism or communism, but between those who believed in the power of individual ideas and those who believed in impersonal historical forces. The paper shows how the main controversy was about whether humans moulded society or the other way around. It was all about whether ideas shaped history and society, or whether historical forces did. 10 pgs. Bibliography lists 4 sources.