The Communist Manifesto (1848)
Author: Karl Marx (1818-1883)
- One of the most important and influential intellectuals of the nineteenth century
- Economic situation was very volatile, but usually in poverty
- Banned from entering many locations due to his radical ideas
Context:
- Published in 1848
- Industrial Revolution is either in full swing or starting to take hold, depending on location
- The Communists has become feared by many in Western Europe, yet the group itself does not have a clear purpose, direction, or organization
- Many of its members are not that knowledgeable of the complexities and history that Marx was able to notice
- Western Europe is on the verge of revolution in many different locations – especially Germany
Language:
- The Manifesto seems to be split into two in this regard:
- Some sections are very dense with heavy academic wording and style → hard to read
- Some sections are very straightforward and easy for everyone to understand
- The list Marx made towards the end of the second section
- The last words of the Manifesto, which are in all caps and are in simple terms
- Marx, who ran his own newspaper, likely did this on purpose.