This is why liberals claim capitalism isn’t a specific material circumstance, but an abstract set of values, or simply when trade exists. They want to make it seem like capitalism is an intractable part of human existence that’s existed for as long as we have. One time I was talking to a guy who didn’t seem to be joking who told me capitalism began when the universe did, because chemicals trade electrons.
The greatest measurable increase in life expectancy and quality of life happened in China during the second half of the 20th century, during which it developed from backwater feudalism to centrally planned socialism.
The greatest measurable reduction in life expectancy and quality of life occured in former Soviet countries in the 1990s, where they devolved from centrally planned socialism to internationally financed capitalism.