Karl Marx and the Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to revise Karl Marx’s model for the formation of capitalism in light of new research. In Das Kapital, Marx focused his study in England through parliamentary documents. The present article examines not only the English situation, but also that of other areas, especially Castile, through village documents. It demonstrates that the new relations of production developed within the functioning process of feudalism. Therefore, there was only one contradictory logic for the reproduction of feudalism and the genesis of capitalism. This leads to the reconsideration of the role of class struggle in the transition.