Capitalism, IWA, and the Paris Commune

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Questions and Answers

What does capitalism primarily prioritize in its economic system?

State control of all industries

Equal distribution of wealth

Wage-labour as a dominant form of work (correct)

Collective ownership of property

Which of the following best describes the impact of capitalism in the 19th Century?

It eliminated classes in society.

It established universal property rights for all individuals.

It led to the rise of socialism in the struggle for human rights. (correct)

It created equal opportunities for all laborers.

What is a primary criticism of capitalism as indicated in the content?

It promotes too much government intervention.

It tends to produce inequality based on class. (correct)

It restricts individual freedoms excessively.

It favors rural over urban employment.

In the context of the content, who are the two primary classes identified within capitalism?

Bourgeoisie and proletariat Signup and view all the answers

Which event is taking place on October 10th as mentioned in the announcements?

Memorial Vigil for Palestine Signup and view all the answers

What major sociocultural changes were initiated by the Industrial Revolution?

Rise of international worker movements Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of capitalists and the middle classes regarding the Paris Commune?

It threatened the established social order Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes positive rights?

Rights that require active provision from others Signup and view all the answers

What did the International Working Men's Association aim to achieve?

To unite workers under a common cause Signup and view all the answers

What was a key effect of mechanization during the Industrial Revolution?

Increased urbanization of populations Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the phrase 'Peace, because its national ruler will be everywhere the same – Labour' reflect?

The unity of workers globally Signup and view all the answers

How did the Industrial Revolution affect family structure?

Families often separated as individuals sought work Signup and view all the answers

What symbolized hopes for a world without exploitation among workers after the Paris Commune?

The rise of international solidarity Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant victory related to labor practices by the end of the 19th century?

Implementation of the 8-hour working day Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the shift in political ideologies concerning human rights by the end of the 19th century?

The growing tension between socialist and liberal notions of rights Signup and view all the answers

What challenge was noted regarding labor rights by the end of the 19th century?

The shift from traditional labor systems to state control Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of indivisibility relate to human rights?

It means that all rights are interconnected and should not be separated Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the radical anti-capitalist agenda by the end of the 19th century?

The success of reforms over revolutionary changes Signup and view all the answers

What role did the International Labour Organization (ILO) play beginning in 1919?

Facilitating international labor rights agreements Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to a shift towards state-centrism in labor rights?

The consolidation of Nation-States across Europe Signup and view all the answers

What was addressed in the communication from the IWA to students in Paris in 1966?

The denial of certain human rights Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Capitalism and its Limits

Capitalism is the dominant economic system in the world where wage labor is the primary form of work and property is privately owned.
Capitalism produces inequality based on class: bourgeoisie and proletariat.
The Industrial Revolution in England and then elsewhere (18th-19th Century):
- Increased urbanization.
- Changed family structures.
- Contributed to mechanization and the modern factory system.
- Gave rise to pollution.
- Created a clear distinction between work time and leisure time.

International Workingmen's Association

The International Workingmen's Association (IWA) was founded in 1864 in Geneva.
The IWA believed that a new society was arising, based on labor instead of capital, with international peace as a central goal.
Karl Marx saw the International Working Class as the pioneer of this new society.

The Paris Commune

The Paris Commune (1871) was seen as a threat to the established order by capitalists and the middle class.
The Paris Commune gave hope to workers for a world without exploitation and injustice, inspiring an international worker-led movement for rights.

Positive Rights

Positive rights require active action from others, especially the state, to be fulfilled
Positive rights are essential for ensuring human dignity and full participation in society.

Victories and Challenges of the 19th Century

Victories in the fight for workers’ rights:
- Restriction of certain labor practices.
- Introduction of a 10-hour and then 8-hour workday.
- Establishment of special labour rights for women and children.
Challenges:
- The rise of the nation-state and state-centrism.
- The loss of radical anti-capitalist agendas to reforms.
- The embedding of socialist vs. liberal notions of rights within Cold War politics.

The International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was created in 1919.

Indivisibility of Human Rights

The IWA letter in 1966 argued that the denial of human rights is a violation of all rights.
All human rights are interconnected and equally important. They should not be separated or divided.
The lack of any one right signifies the lack of all rights.

Socialist Calls for Human Rights

Socialist calls for human rights are not solely focused on economic and social rights. This is supported by the indivisibility of rights and the interconnected nature of rights.
Ishay highlights that socialist calls for human rights acknowledge the interconnected nature of all rights.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of capitalism, its limitations, and social inequalities resulting from wage labor. Delve into the formation of the International Workingmen's Association and the significance of the Paris Commune in 1871 as a revolutionary response to capitalist structures. This quiz will test your understanding of these critical historical movements.