For much of recorded history, there have always been vast disparities in wealth between various populations, and this has been a major factor in social unrest, revolution, and even full-scale class warfare. From the collapse of ancient Rome to the storming of the Bastille in 1789, from the Russian Revolution to modern-day protests against economic injustice, inequality has repeatedly sparked conflicts between the privileged elite and the struggling masses.
Today, we stand at a crossroads. The modern world is richer than ever, yet economic inequality has reached historic highs in many nations. In the United States, the top 1% control more wealth than the bottom 90% combined. So, are we doomed to repeat history, or can modern societies find peaceful ways to address inequality? What lessons can we learn from past conflicts between the classes? Click through this gallery to find out.