Where wealth gave the developing capitalist class strength in its battle with the feudal system, poverty imparts weakness to our class. Wealth imparts strength, strength self-reliance. Differently with the proletariat. At times this circumstance may be a force, but it is only a fitful force. Poverty breeds lack of self-reliance.
Material insecurity suggests temporary devices.
And the one and the other are within the power of the present ruling class to maneuver with. Time and again throughout American history, workers have been lured into supporting reforms that are really meant to support small capitalists in their losing war with big capital. Misguided workers played a large, grass roots role in getting the Sherman Anti-Trust Act passed. Ironically workers were its first victims. Workers have been trapped into supporting capitalists on tariffs, money reforms, taxation etc., issues that are of no real benefit to themselves, and often are very hurtful to our class as a whole.