Karl Marx The Father of Communism COMMUNISM A

Karl Marx: “The Father of Communism”

COMMUNISM: A Reaction to the “ills” of Industrialization!

Development of the “factory culture”

Stereotype of the Factory Owner

“Upstairs / Downstairs” Life

Socialism According to Marx l Karl Marx- German philosopher, supported the establishment of socialism and communism. l Wrote the “Manifesto of the Communist Party” along with Friedrich Engels. l Marx was unhappy with capitalism and the negative aspects of industrialization (Most significantly, the unfair exploitation of the working class.

What is The Communist Manifesto? l The Communist Manifesto was Marx and Engels’ greatest work l l Published in 1848 Not widely read in Europe until after Marx’s death in 1883 l Marxist “Bible”

Who are the major players in Communism? l Two (2) groups: 1. Proletariat = Working class / lower classes of society 2. Bourgeoisie = Upper classes / the ones who gain wealth off the proletariat

What Needs To Take Place First? l Marx believed that history could be explained through class struggle (Examples: ) l Marx was convinced that history would pass through certain phases (I. E. Feudalism, Capitalism, Socialism) until finally a Communist society would emerge.

Communism After the proletariat has successfully overthrown the bourgeoisie: 1. Communism would gradually emerge. 2. The need for government would no longer exist. 3. There would no longer be separate classes in society. l Everyone would work according to their abilities and… l Everyone receives according to their needs. l

History of Class Struggle

Marx’s Theory? Marx and Engels studied the history of the world’s economies and the way that power, industry and finance are controlled. l They saw the way countries developed in stages over world history l Communism (Marxism) Socialism Capitalism Feudalism Primitive Communism

What is Primitive Communism? Primitive Communism l This is how humans first lived together – in small tribes. l Everything was shared amongst the tribe – food, jobs, belongings. No-one owned land. l Eventually a group comes to power – this leads to Feudalism…

What is Feudalism? • Under feudalism, a king or emperor or chief becomes the ruler over all the people. Feudalism Primitive Communism • The people are kept uneducated and told that God chose the king to rule. The church helps the king this • He gives land privileges to ‘nobles’ who rule the people for him. • As trade develops, some people get richer. This leads to Capitalism…. .

What is Capitalism? • The business owners or capitalists get richer while the workers do all the hard work. • The capitalists get more power to serve their own interests. Feudalism Capitalism • Capitalism creates a huge workingclass of people who soon get angry at the way they are treated. • Eventually they begin to demand changes. This will lead to a revolution and Socialism…

What is Socialism? • The workers take control of the country to produce things for everyone. Capitalism • In the Socialist revolution all the rulers – kings, churches, capitalists are got rid of. • Because nothing is made for profit, all people benefit from education and health. Socialism • These ideas spread across the world to create Communism….

What is Communism (Marxism)? Communism (Marxism) Socialism • As everyone now works together, war is a thing of the past – armies are not needed. • Sharing means no police are needed. • Everything is provided by the people – so money becomes a thing of the past. • All human activity goes towards benefiting each other – allowing all to live their lives to the full.

Communism (Marxism) = “Short Version” Step #2 Step #3 • A “temporary” dictatorship will step in and help to redevelop society (re-build industry, create laws, etc. ) • The “temporary” dictatorship will voluntarily give up power, thus creating a classless, borderless utopia

The Communist “Utopia”

How did Marx / Engels’ work influence European society? l Marx / Engels’ work is going to influence a new generation of revolutionaries Tired of corruption l Desiring a new society l l Marx / Engels’ works are feared by many European leaders l Arrest, imprison, or exile many Communist leaders

Communism Appears Easy, However… l What does it NOT take into account? . . . what is it’s possible flaw?