The Mind(s) Behind it All

Before we go on further into what marxism or socialism was, we must ask ourselves, who was behind this philosophical idea? The answer awaits here.

It all occurred in 1818, starting with the world renown Karl Marx. Growing up in the kingdom of Prussia, Marx was one of nine children, all living in a middle class lifestyle. In 1835, Marx became a university student and became much influenced by the German philosopher, Hegel. His philosophy and principles resonated with Marx on such a deep level, due to his big ideas on human society and what path should be taken in order to benefit all mankind.



Soon, Karl Marx created two very special bonds that would ultimately change his life for the better. One was to the high class Jenny von Westphalen, an aristocrat who came from a very wealthy family. After meeting Marx, she soon broke off her engagement with another young aristocrat in order to be with with the love of her life. Yet Jenny wasn't the only person who changed Marx's life for Friedrich Engels created an outstanding intellectual bonding with Marx, none of which Marx had ever had before.








Karl Marx (1818-1883)


Engels came from a wealthy German manufacturer and was raised in believing Protestant values and in the higher power of God. However, as Engels aged, he started to believe in more atheistic values and soon began a very strained and uncomfortable relationship with his family. Engels soon entered university, and like Marx, became enamored with Hegel's philosophy and started reading up on Hegel's ideals and such. After leaving university to join the military, Engels noticed the poor working conditions and horrible living arrangements that factory workers had to endure while he serving in the military. Soon after his time had been served, his parents sent him to Manchester, in hopes of sorting out his liberal opinions. While in Manchester, Engels met the fiery Mary Burns, yet never married her due to their societal beliefs. However, Engels noticed much worst conditions such as child labour and a despoiled environment. He noted all of this down so when the time came when both Marx and Engels encountered one another, they both would have the same ideals in order to invoke change in the system.


The two met each other in Paris and soon created a bond unbreakable for the rest of their lives. In 1847, a group called the Communist League held an important meeting in London and invited the two to express their views on the whole matter. That following year in 1848, Marx and Engels finally published their most famous document, The Communist Manifesto yet due to its radical ideas, it soon expelled both Engels and Marx from the university they were studying at. The document outlined the ideas of communism where all individuals were equal and that the wealth procured by others should be distributed among the poor. Other principles included a government in charge of all resources and economic issues, and where private industries did not exist. The both of them found numerous faults in the former way of how society was run. Child labour, exploitation among workers, undesirable working conditions were just a few of the flaws the capitalist society had obtained whilst being in power.




Friedrich Engel (1820-1895)

Before long, the two's document had become world renown and soon other countries began to adopt the principles and ideals of communism. For example, the Russian Revolution event or the country soon to become the Soviet Union made headlines as the first country ever to adopt communist values. Not only did this idea spread to Europe, but to parts of Asia and Latin America as well. Many people think communism made its rounds due to the differing contrast it had compared to the former economic way of doing things. However, the disadvantages of communism became evident, especially among the Soviet Union for poverty and the lack of personal freedom became a nightmare for all who endured communism.


In conclusion, the brilliant minds of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels were ultimately behind the philosophy of marxism/socialism. However, when most people hear of the word "communism" it is usually associated with a negative connotation. We must ask ourselves, how did communism evolve into such treacherous system of poverty and despair? Other opinions may differ about the likes of communism, yet the answer may still seem evident in others. In the end, the philosophy behind this idea was intended for the good, however, like many things, not all can turn out for the better.