Marxism: Definition, History&The Important Works

 What is Marxism?

Marxism is a political and economic theory based on the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, which emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the conditions of industrial capitalism.

Marxism views history as a series of class struggles, in which the ruling class exploits the working class for their own benefit. According to Marx, capitalism is inherently unjust and will eventually lead to a revolution by the working class, resulting in the establishment of a socialist society.

The first Marxist organization was the Communist League, founded in 1847, which published the Communist Manifesto in 1848. The Manifesto called for the overthrow of the ruling class and the establishment of a classless society.

Marxism gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly after the Russian Revolution of 1917, in which the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, established the first Marxist state. Other Marxist revolutions followed in China, Cuba, Vietnam, and other countries throughout the 20th century.

However, Marxist theory and practice have been subject to criticism and revision over the years. Some argue that Marxist states have failed to achieve their goals and have been characterized by authoritarianism and human rights abuses. Others argue that Marx's theories are outdated and do not fully account for contemporary economic and social conditions. Nonetheless, Marxism remains a significant and influential political and economic theory.

What are the most important works on Marxism?

There are many important works on Marxism, but some of the most influential include:

The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels - This short pamphlet, published in 1848, is perhaps the most famous work of Marxism. It outlines the basic tenets of Marxism and calls for the overthrow of the ruling class by the working class.

Das Kapital by Karl Marx - This three-volume work, published between 1867 and 1894, is Marx's magnum opus on economics. It analyzes the workings of capitalism, including its exploitation of workers and the accumulation of wealth by the capitalist class.

The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte by Karl Marx - This work, published in 1852, analyzes the rise of Louis Bonaparte to power in France and uses it to explore Marx's theories about the role of the state in capitalist society.

The State and Revolution by Vladimir Lenin - This work, published in 1917, argues that the state must be abolished in order to achieve a socialist society. It was a major influence on the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.

Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism by Vladimir Lenin - This work, published in 1916, argues that capitalism has evolved to a stage of imperialism, in which powerful countries dominate weaker ones in order to exploit their resources and labor.

Reform or Revolution by Rosa Luxemburg - This work, published in 1899, critiques the idea that socialism can be achieved through gradual reforms rather than a revolution. It argues that the capitalist class will never willingly give up power, and that a revolution is necessary to overthrow them.

These works continue to be studied and debated by Marxist theorists and practitioners around the world.