The Communist Manifesto

Definition

The Communist Manifesto is a political pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848 that outlines the principles of communism and critiques the capitalist system. It emphasizes the struggles between classes, particularly the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), advocating for the overthrow of capitalist systems to establish a classless society. This work is foundational in Marxist theory and offers a rallying cry for workers to unite against their oppressors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Communist Manifesto was commissioned by the Communist League and published in London, becoming one of the most influential political texts in history.
2. It famously begins with the line 'A spectre is haunting Europe—the spectre of communism,' calling for unity among workers across national boundaries.
3. The manifesto outlines four major sections: a preamble, a critique of bourgeois society, an explanation of the communist goals, and a call to action for proletarians.
4. Marx and Engels argue that all of history is characterized by class struggles, culminating in the inevitable rise of the proletariat over the bourgeoisie.
5. The Communist Manifesto has been translated into numerous languages and continues to inspire socialist and communist movements worldwide.

Review Questions

• How does The Communist Manifesto portray the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?
  • The Communist Manifesto presents a contentious relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, characterizing it as one marked by exploitation and conflict. The bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, profit from the labor of the proletariat, who work under harsh conditions for minimal wages. This dynamic creates an inherent struggle where the proletariat is seen as an oppressed class seeking liberation from capitalist oppression through collective action.
• What are the main arguments presented in The Communist Manifesto regarding class struggle and its role in societal change?
  • The Communist Manifesto argues that class struggle is a driving force behind historical development, asserting that societal change is achieved through conflicts between opposing classes. Marx and Engels maintain that as capitalism evolves, contradictions will intensify, leading to an inevitable uprising of the proletariat against the bourgeoisie. The manifesto claims that this revolutionary potential can result in a classless society where resources are shared equitably among all people.
• Evaluate how The Communist Manifesto has influenced modern political ideologies and movements across different cultures.
  • The Communist Manifesto has profoundly influenced modern political ideologies and movements, serving as a foundational text for various socialist and communist parties worldwide. Its themes of class struggle and collective action have resonated across diverse cultures, inspiring revolutions and political reforms aimed at addressing economic inequalities. The manifesto's impact is evident in movements such as the Russian Revolution, China's Communist Party, and contemporary leftist movements globally, showcasing its enduring relevance in discussions around social justice and economic equity.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The social class that owns the means of production in a capitalist society, typically associated with wealth and power.

Proletariat: The working class who sell their labor for wages in a capitalist economy and are viewed by Marx as the oppressed group.

Class Struggle: The ongoing conflict between different classes in society, particularly between those who own the means of production and those who do not.