Socialism in 19th Century Europe

Study Notes

Rise of Socialism: Emerged in the 19th century as a response to industrialization and exploitation of workers.
Key figures:
- Karl Marx: German philosopher and economist who wrote "Das Kapital" and "The Communist Manifesto".
- Friedrich Engels: German philosopher and historian who collaborated with Marx.
- Jean Jaurès: French socialist leader who advocated for reformism.
Types of Socialism:
- Utopian Socialism: Focus on creating a perfect society through gradual reforms. Examples: Charles Fourier, Robert Owen.
- Scientific Socialism: Based on Marx's ideas, emphasizing class struggle and revolution. Examples: Marx, Engels.
Socialist movements:
- First International (1864-1876): Founded by Marx, aimed to unite workers across Europe.
- Second International (1889-1916): Divided into reformist and revolutionary factions.
- Socialist parties: Formed in various European countries, such as Germany, France, and Britain.

Causes:
- Poverty and inequality: Widespread poverty and economic inequality among the Russian population.
- War and economic crisis: Russia's involvement in WWI and subsequent economic crisis.
- Autocratic rule: Repressive government under Tsar Nicholas II.
Key events:
- February Revolution (1917): Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, and a provisional government was established.
- October Revolution (1917): Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power and established the Soviet government.
Key figures:
- Vladimir Lenin: Leader of the Bolsheviks and founder of the Soviet Union.
- Leon Trotsky: Key figure in the Russian Revolution and later Soviet leader.
- Joseph Stalin: Rose to power after Lenin's death and established a totalitarian regime.
Consequences:
- Establishment of the Soviet Union: World's first socialist state.
- Redistribution of land and wealth: Nationalization of industries and redistribution of land to peasants.
- Repression and terror: Lenin's regime was marked by repression and terror, which continued under Stalin.

Emerged in the 19th century as a response to industrialization and exploitation of workers.
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels collaborated on "Das Kapital" and "The Communist Manifesto".
Jean Jaurès advocated for reformism in France.

Utopian Socialism:
- Focuses on creating a perfect society through gradual reforms.
- Examples: Charles Fourier, Robert Owen.
Scientific Socialism:
- Based on Marx's ideas, emphasizing class struggle and revolution.
- Examples: Marx, Engels.

First International (1864-1876):
- Founded by Marx to unite workers across Europe.
Second International (1889-1916):
- Divided into reformist and revolutionary factions.
Socialist parties formed in various European countries, such as Germany, France, and Britain.

February Revolution (1917):
- Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, and a provisional government was established.
October Revolution (1917):
- Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power and established the Soviet government.

Vladimir Lenin:
- Leader of the Bolsheviks and founder of the Soviet Union.
Leon Trotsky:
- Key figure in the Russian Revolution and later Soviet leader.
Joseph Stalin:
- Rose to power after Lenin's death and established a totalitarian regime.

Establishment of the Soviet Union:
- World's first socialist state.
Redistribution of land and wealth:
- Nationalization of industries and redistribution of land to peasants.
Repression and terror:
- Lenin's regime was marked by repression and terror, which continued under Stalin.