Topic > The Fathers of Communism

Marxist communist ideology is perhaps one of the most misunderstood political dogmas of modern times. It is a theory in which, through the historical events and practices of his time, Karl Marx predicted the next steps towards communism in a capitalist society. This transition is discussed in great detail in the first chapter of the Communist Manifesto, when Marx exposes the elements of a capitalist society: the bourgeoisie, which manages the factories and owns vast properties, lands and means of production; and the proletariat, which constitutes the majority as the working class. A capitalist society will inevitably reach class conflict, [1] since "the bourgeoisie, historically, has played an extremely revolutionary role." [2] The establishment of the domination of the bourgeoisie over society was in a certain sense revolutionary. Not only did he remove the main monarchical influence that shackled society, but he also eliminated religious influences from government. Such religious displays of domination through the Church, for example, had hindered European society during the Middle Ages. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In the words of the Communist Manifesto, the bourgeoisie had "put an end to all idyllic feudal, patriarchal relations." and "has broken the various feudal ties which bound man to his 'natural superiors,' and has left no other connection between man and man than naked self-interest, the ruthless 'cash payment.' It has stifled the most celestial ecstasies of religious fervor…”[3]. The role of the bourgeoisie is therefore necessary. Through capitalist aspirations, the bourgeoisie takes important steps towards the expansion of business, the widespread creation of more products and the development of industrial monopoly.[4] The proletariat will inevitably become alienated from products and fellow workers and will experience inadequate working conditions. These workers will become "an appendage of the machine"[5] for which they had worked. Such scenarios will lead to the transition to communism, as everything would be ready for a successful revolution through the proletariat. Solidly established industries that were once privately owned by the bourgeoisie can pave the way for an easy transition to a system based on public ownership. Gracchus Babeuf's Manifesto of Equals is different in nature from the Communist Manifesto. He was writing before Marx, during the final stages of the French Revolution and before the expansion of industrialization. Thus, his message was more applicable to the people of his time and was more about the distribution of agricultural land. Instead of building a theory or ideology for political thought, Babeuf was trying to mobilize the French people in a revolution for equality: “The French Revolution was nothing more than a precursor to another revolution, one which will be greatest, most solemn, and which will be the last." [6] Although not as detailed as the works of Karl Marx, Babeuf's writings propagate in context a very vital point: equality is the natural right of man. Although both Babeuf and Marx circulated the idea of ​​equality and the inevitability of equality After the abolition of all class hierarchies, there are many areas of difference between these two thinkers produced their works under different pretexts. Marx was writing under the conditions of industrialization, the development of small, densely populated cities due to industrialization and the domination of the bourgeoisie over social issues. Babeuf was writing when the French Revolution was still in its infancy and new ideas they were just beginning to emerge to shape France's future. As mentioned. 4-5, 9-10, 128, 136, 140-142, 173-175