The Communist Manifesto

Definition

The Communist Manifesto is a political pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, published in 1848, that outlines the principles of communism and calls for the working class to rise against the bourgeoisie. This influential document critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society where the means of production are collectively owned, tying it closely to revolutionary ideologies aimed at reforming or replacing existing social and economic systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Communist Manifesto was published in 1848 during a period of widespread social upheaval and revolution across Europe, which influenced its revolutionary call to action.
2. It famously begins with the line, 'A spectre is haunting Europe—the spectre of communism,' signaling the rising fear among ruling classes about the spread of communist ideas.
3. The manifesto outlines four main sections: the history of society as a history of class struggles, the critique of contemporary capitalism, the role of the proletariat, and the call to action for revolution.
4. Marx and Engels argue that capitalism inevitably leads to class conflict, which will result in the overthrow of capitalist societies by the proletariat, leading to a dictatorship of the proletariat.
5. The Communist Manifesto has had a profound impact on political thought and movements globally, influencing various revolutionary movements and ideologies throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Review Questions

• How does The Communist Manifesto relate to the concept of class struggle, and what role does it assign to the proletariat?
  • The Communist Manifesto emphasizes that all historical developments are rooted in class struggles between oppressors and the oppressed. It posits that the proletariat, or working class, is uniquely positioned to overthrow capitalism because they are exploited by the bourgeoisie. Marx and Engels argue that through collective action, the proletariat can challenge their oppression and ultimately establish a classless society.
• Analyze how The Communist Manifesto critiques capitalism and what alternatives it proposes for economic organization.
  • The Communist Manifesto critiques capitalism for creating vast inequalities between the bourgeoisie and proletariat while fostering alienation among workers. It argues that capitalism reduces human labor to a mere commodity, leading to exploitation. As an alternative, it proposes socialism as a transitional phase where the means of production are collectively owned, ultimately aiming towards a stateless, classless society characterized by communal ownership and equal distribution of resources.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of The Communist Manifesto on global political movements and ideologies since its publication.
  • Since its publication in 1848, The Communist Manifesto has profoundly influenced numerous global political movements and ideologies. It inspired socialist parties, labor movements, and revolutions across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The manifesto's ideas laid the groundwork for Marxist-Leninist regimes in countries like Russia and China, as well as various forms of socialism throughout the world. Its enduring legacy continues to shape debates on class struggle, economic equality, and workers' rights in contemporary political discourse.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class who own the means of production and are responsible for the exploitation of the working class.

Proletariat:

The working class who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive, central to Marxist theory.

Marxism:

A socio-political and economic theory based on the ideas of Karl Marx, advocating for a revolutionary approach to establishing a classless society.