The Communist Manifesto

Summary of The Communist Manifesto. 

In 1847, the Communist league (a group of radical workers) assembled in London to put together on their behalf, what is now referred to as The Communist Manifesto, Marx being the principle Author, alongside Engles who edited and assisted.  

It is the most influential of all documents of modern socialism with its systematic statement being known as Marxism. Both Marx and Engles are widely known for their revolutionary works about communism. They weren’t only theorizing about revolution in the abstract but they saw theory as only being useful as far as it promotes social change. This comes to show that they weren’t just Authors, but indeed activists who believed that theorizing actively influenced history.  

The Communist Manifesto is divided in four sections. The first section discusses the communist’s theory of history and relations between both bourgeoisie and proletarians. The second gives direct explanation to the relationship between the communists and proletarians. The third addresses apparent flaws in previous socialist literature and finally, the fourth section discusses relations and links between the communists and other parties. The Communist Manifesto aims to explain the goals of communism, even more so, the theory of this movement. The arguments found in this manifesto tackle the subjects related to class struggles, the exploitation of one class by another which is the motivated force that has been found in all historical movements. Class relationships are described as being an era’s means of production though these relationships soon cease to be compatible with developing forces of production leading to a revolution in which a new class comes forth as the ruling class.  

Modern industrialized society is specifically characterized by class conflict between the bourgeoisie (oppressor) and proletariat (oppressed). On a side note, one very important noticeable occurrence is the productive forces of Capitalism that are quickly losing compatibility with its exploitive means leading the proletariat, also referred to as the working-class, to a revolution. Additionally, this revolution will differ in character from all previous revolutions. As thoroughly explained in this book, all previous revolutions reallocated property which was in favor of those who owned the wealth, making their views and ideology the ruling and dominant set of ideas. However, the proletariat aren’t in position of appropriating property and so once control is obtained, they will be able to confine all ownership of private property to history books and classes will cease to exist. It goes on to argue that this development is certain to happen, along with how capitalism is unstable in its foundation. 

The communists are gathering together with the intention to promote this revolution, and the associations that are moving history towards this result. The argument which communists stress is that the elimination of social classes will not only be achieved through reforms and changes in government, but rather through revolution.