from this point on, modern centralization begins as monarchies gain more power. this increase in power is seen in the way economics was used to advance the process of centralization. adams looks at two subjects: colonization and the industrial revolution. both of these processes caused centralization to increase exponentially. trade with colonies invariably favored the mother country, and control over the colonies was absolute. the industrial revolution increased centralization by encouraging a mass movement of people into the cities, thereby concentrating the labor force. despite these apparent advantages, adams shows how these empires fell through economic decay. as centralization and industry increased, so too did the power of the bankers and the "self-interest" competition of the free market. this economic system could not support these overseas empires indefinitely, and they were slowly dismantled as the disadvantages began to outweigh the advantages. adams has much to say about the rise of the banker and how this forms the apex of the centralization we see "today" (in 1895, when adams wrote): "such signs point to the climax of consolidation. and yet, even the rise of the bankers is not the only or