History
The “Communist Manifesto” tries to explain Communism goals and the theory that underlies this movement. In this regard, one of the most significant ideas introduced by the authors pertains to class struggles between bourgeois and proletarians. The authors argue that the struggles of class are the driving force behind all history developments. Relationships of class are described by a period’s means of production. For instance, through competition and private land ownership, the bourgeois are forever taking advantage and oppressing the proletariat (Mar & Engels). Nonetheless, ultimately these relationships stop to be attuned to the production’s developing forces. At this juncture, a revolution takes place and a new class comes about and rules others. This process is a representation of the “march of history” as driven by bigger forces of the economy.
– Another important idea is on proletarians and communists. Here, the authors explore the relationship between the Communist party and other working parties, arguing that the Communist party would not organize against them. As such, the goal of the party is to put focus on the proletariat’s interest as a whole and not any certain group. The party achieves this by eradicating ownership of all private property, setting up a system of heavy taxation, extending the means of production to the state, seizing all emigrant and rebel property, instituting a free public education system, and centralizing credit and establishment of a bank state. – Another important idea pertains to socialist and communist literature. According to Marx & Engels (2009), Feudal Socialists, the Petty-Bourgeois Socialists, and the “True” Socialists battle against the bourgeois and contemporary industry’s rise, without appreciating the process of history the bourgeois represent. These groups were against the bourgeois because they perceived them to be a threat to their way of life.
Reference
Marx, K., & Engels, F. (2009). The communist manifesto. The Floating Press.