Marxism

Marxism is an economic and political system named after its originator, German social philosopher Karl Marx (1818-1883). In 1844 Marx met another German thinker, Friedrich Engels (1820-1895), and the two teamed up on projects throughout their lives. In 1848 they published The Communist Manifesto, in which they explained their political and social theories. Asserting that human history is controlled by economics (the production, distribution, and use of wealth), they proposed that economic crisis force many people to live in poverty. This downturn would eventually cause working-class people (the proletariat) to revolt against the owners of factories and businesses (the bourgeoisie). According to Marx and Engels, the proletariat would take control of factories and businesses, then create a new society based on economic equality and cooperation instead of competition.