Morgan's Theory of Progress Is a Materialist Approach to Anthropology

Anthropologist Morgan was interested in the notion of historical progress. He argued that there was a generalized form which could be applied across society. His first stage is savagery, the second stage is barbarism, and the third stage is civilization. The distinctions between these stages are largely technological in nature with societies progressing based on their mastery of horticulture, agriculture, weaponry, forging, etc.