Publication of The Communist Manifesto
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published The Communist Manifesto, a political pamphlet that called for the overthrow of capitalist systems and the establishment of a classless society. Commissioned by the Communist League, the pamphlet articulated the struggles of the working class and critiqued capitalist exploitation. The manifesto was published in London, presenting the famous opening line, 'A spectre is haunting Europe — the spectre of communism.'
Commissioned by the Communist League in London.
Critiqued capitalism and advocated for class struggle.
Became a foundational text for socialist movements.
Influenced global revolutions and political ideologies.
What Happened?
The Communist Manifesto, authored by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, was commissioned by the Communist League in London. The League sought a cohesive ideology to unite various socialist movements under a common cause. Marx and Engels responded with a politically charged pamphlet that would profoundly influence global politics. The manifesto began with a powerful assertion that history is characterized by class struggles and invited all working people to rise against their bourgeois oppressors. It contained a call to arms, advocating for the proletariat to organize and secure their liberation through revolution. The pamphlet was notable not only for its incisive critique of bourgeois capitalism but also for its prescriptive solutions, such as the abolition of private property and the centralization of credit and communication. It became a rallying cry for workers around the world, encapsulating the hopes and frustrations of the labor class in the face of industrialization and capital's growing power. The text was quickly translated into multiple languages, establishing it as a seminal document for the burgeoning labor movement.
Why Does it Matter?
The publication of The Communist Manifesto is significant because it laid the ideological foundation for modern communism and influenced numerous revolutionary movements worldwide. Its concepts continue to resonate, serving as pivotal references in political discourse and activism. The manifesto's call for class struggle and critique of capitalism sparked debates that endure to this day, shaping various political ideologies and movements.