DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, is one of the most influential political documents in history. It lays out the fundamental principles of communism and critiques the capitalist system. Commissioned by the Communist League, this manifesto presents a call to revolution, advocating for the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society. It is structured into four sections: an introduction, a discussion on class struggle, an explanation of communist ideas, and a critique of other socialist and communist ideologies of the time.

Let’s explore…

1. Bourgeois and proletarians The first section discusses the nature of history as a struggle between classes. Marx and Engels argue that all historical societies have been defined by class struggles, from feudalism to capitalism. In the modern era, this struggle manifests between the bourgeoisie (the ruling capitalist class) and the proletariat (the working class).

The bourgeoisie, according to Marx and Engels, emerged through the destruction of feudal society, fueled by industrialization and the expansion of markets. They transformed economic structures by prioritizing profit over traditional social hierarchies. The rise of capitalism created unprecedented productive forces, yet it also generated deep social inequalities. The proletariat, which consists of wage laborers exploited by capitalists, lives in a state of alienation—stripped of control over their labor and reduced to mere cogs in the machinery of production.

Despite the dominance of the bourgeoisie, Marx and Engels assert that capitalism contains inherent contradictions that will lead to its downfall. They describe how the bourgeoisie’s constant need to expand markets and increase production creates economic crises—cycles of boom and bust that disrupt societies. Ultimately, the proletariat, through its sheer numbers and its role in production, will develop class consciousness and rise against the bourgeoisie, bringing about a socialist revolution.

2. Proletarians and communists The second section clarifies the relationship between the proletariat and the communists. Marx and Engels explain that communists do not represent a separate political movement but rather express the collective interests of the working class as a whole. They aim to abolish private property, which they argue is the root of class oppression.

One of the most provocative claims in The Communist Manifesto is that the abolition of bourgeois property does not mean the elimination of all personal property but rather the end of capitalist private ownership of the means of production. The document defends this stance by asserting that under capitalism, property is already concentrated in the hands of a few, and the majority of the population remains propertyless.

Marx and Engels also challenge bourgeois arguments against communism, particularly the claim that eliminating private property would destroy individuality and culture. They argue that capitalist society has already destroyed genuine individual freedom by reducing workers to commodities. True individual development, they insist, can only be achieved in a society free from economic exploitation.

The section ends with a list of immediate demands necessary for transitioning from capitalism to communism. These include progressive taxation, the abolition of inheritance rights, free public education, centralization of credit and transportation in the hands of the state, and the nationalization of means of production. While some of these demands could be achieved within capitalist frameworks, they are viewed as stepping stones toward the ultimate goal: the creation of a classless society.

3. Socialist and communist literature The third section critiques other socialist and communist movements of the 19th century. Marx and Engels categorize these ideologies into different types:

• Reactionary socialism: Represented by feudal socialists, petty-bourgeois socialists, and conservative socialists, this type of socialism seeks to address capitalism’s excesses while preserving existing class structures. Feudal socialists, for example, romanticize the past and resist industrial capitalism, but they fail to address the need for proletarian empowerment.
• Bourgeois socialism: This form of socialism, often associated with reformers and philanthropists, seeks to improve workers’ conditions without challenging capitalism itself. Marx and Engels argue that this approach is insufficient because it does not address the fundamental contradictions of capitalist society.
• Critical-utopian socialism: Thinkers like Robert Owen and Charles Fourier envisioned ideal societies based on cooperative principles but failed to recognize the necessity of class struggle and political revolution. Marx and Engels criticize these utopian socialists for lacking a concrete plan for achieving their visions.

By contrasting these various forms of socialism with their own communist ideology, Marx and Engels emphasize that real social transformation can only occur through revolutionary class struggle, not through gradual reform or idealistic experiments.

4. Position of the communists in relation to other opposition parties The final section addresses the immediate political tasks of communists across Europe. Marx and Engels argue that communists should align with progressive movements but always prioritize the interests of the proletariat. They call for the overthrow of the bourgeoisie and the establishment of a proletarian dictatorship as a transitional phase toward a classless society.

The manifesto concludes with the famous call to action: “Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!” This rallying cry encapsulates the revolutionary spirit of the document, urging workers to recognize their collective power and take control of their destiny.

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The Communist Manifesto remains a seminal work in political philosophy and revolutionary thought. Marx and Engels’ critique of capitalism, their analysis of class struggle, and their call for proletarian revolution have influenced countless movements worldwide.

Despite its historical context, the manifesto’s insights into economic inequality, class dynamics, and political power continue to resonate. While critics argue that its revolutionary vision is unrealistic or impractical, supporters maintain that its critique of capitalism remains relevant in an era of increasing economic disparity. Regardless of one’s stance, The Communist Manifesto stands as a powerful and enduring critique of economic and social injustice, challenging readers to reconsider the structures that govern their lives.