Karl Marx The Father of Communism Future Marxists
- Slides: 12
Karl Marx: “The Father of Communism”
Future Marxists At An Early Age: Lenin and Stalin
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.
Socialism According to Marx l He believed that a select few in society controlled most of the wealth and were taking advantage of the working class (Long hours, low pay, miserable working conditions, etc. ) l 2 classes emerged: 1. Bourgeoisie- Those who owned the means of production and were considered the wealthy class in a capitalist society
2 Classes cont. l Proletariat- Working classes or lower class in Capitalist society. l Originally derogatory in nature, Marx used the term to describe the working class.
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.
Major Historical Events Feudalism: This picture shows serfs at work in the fields and Louis XVI being beheaded during French Revolution. Major events in history according To Marx
Basic Characteristics of Communism: l Collective ownership of land the means of production. l Classless society (Everyone is =====) l Everyone would work according to their abilities and… l Everyone receives according to their needs.
Communism Appears Easy, However… l Before it can take place, the working class (Proletariat) in the capitalist nation, must rise up and overthrow the minority who controlled the means of production (Bourgeoisie). l Marx refers to this as the “dictatorship of the proletariat. ”
Bolshevik Revolution
Communism l 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.
History of Class Struggle
