Friedrich Engels

Definition

Friedrich Engels was a German philosopher, social scientist, and political theorist who co-authored 'The Communist Manifesto' with Karl Marx in 1848. He played a crucial role in the development of socialist theory and is often credited with providing the foundational ideas that shaped modern communism, connecting his ideas to broader scientific developments and intellectual trends of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Engels came from a wealthy industrial family, which allowed him to observe the harsh conditions faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution, influencing his later writings.
2. In addition to 'The Communist Manifesto,' Engels authored several works, including 'The Condition of the Working Class in England,' where he analyzed the impact of industrialization on labor.
3. Engels believed that capitalism was inherently exploitative, leading to social inequalities and ultimately to its own downfall through revolution instigated by the working class.
4. He collaborated closely with Marx throughout his life, both financially supporting him and contributing to the development of Marxist theory after Marx's death in 1883.
5. Engels emphasized the importance of women’s liberation in his later writings, arguing that the emancipation of women was crucial for achieving true socialism.

Review Questions

• How did Engels's background influence his views on industrial society and capitalism?
  • Friedrich Engels was born into a wealthy industrial family, which gave him firsthand exposure to the conditions faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution. This unique perspective allowed him to critically analyze the socio-economic impact of capitalism on labor. Engels's observations led him to argue that capitalism was exploitative and dehumanizing, shaping his commitment to advocating for socialist reforms that would improve workers' lives.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Communist Manifesto' in relation to Engels's ideas about class struggle and revolution.
  • 'The Communist Manifesto,' co-authored by Engels and Marx, is significant as it articulates the principles of Marxism, emphasizing class struggle as the driving force of historical change. In this manifesto, Engels outlines how the bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat, creating inherent conflicts between these classes. The call for revolution aims to unite workers worldwide to overthrow capitalist systems, marking a pivotal moment in political thought that has influenced many revolutionary movements since its publication.
• Evaluate the impact of Engels's theories on modern socialist movements and their relation to scientific developments of his time.
  • Engels's theories have had a lasting impact on modern socialist movements by providing a framework for understanding class dynamics and advocating for systemic change. His emphasis on dialectical materialism offered a scientific approach to social analysis, which resonated with contemporary intellectual trends focused on empirical observation and societal progress. This connection not only influenced political ideologies but also inspired future leaders who sought to implement these ideas in practice, shaping political landscapes across Europe and beyond well into the 20th century.

Related terms

Marxism: A socio-political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society through revolutionary means.

Dialectical Materialism: A philosophical approach to understanding society and history that emphasizes the importance of material conditions and class struggle, as developed by Marx and Engels.

Class Struggle: The ongoing conflict between different classes in society, particularly between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), which is central to Marxist theory.