Socialism in Europe: Rise and Key Figures

Study Notes

Socialism in Europe

Rise of Socialism: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, socialism emerged as a major ideology in Europe, responding to the social and economic problems created by industrialization.
Key figures:
- Karl Marx: Criticized capitalism, advocated for a classless society, and wrote "Das Kapital".
- Friedrich Engels: Collaborated with Marx, wrote "The Condition of the Working Class in England".
- Vladimir Lenin: Led the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, adapted Marxism to Russian context.
Types of Socialism:
- Reformist Socialism: Focused on gradual, peaceful reforms within capitalist systems (e.g., social democracy).
- Revolutionary Socialism: Advocated for violent overthrow of capitalism and establishment of a socialist state (e.g., communism).

Russian Revolution

Causes:
- Economic hardship: Russia's economy was struggling, with widespread poverty and inequality.
- Political repression: Tsar Nicholas II's authoritarian rule and lack of civil liberties.
- World War I: Russia's disastrous involvement led to food shortages, inflation, and military defeats.
February Revolution (1917):
- Mass protests and strikes in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
- Provisional Government established, led by Alexander Kerensky.
October Revolution (1917):
- Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, overthrew the Provisional Government in a largely bloodless coup.
- Established the world's first socialist state, with the Bolsheviks as the ruling party.
Aftermath:
- Civil War (1918-1922): Bolsheviks fought against anti-communist forces, eventually emerging victorious.
- Establishment of the Soviet Union: In 1922, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic became the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Socialism in Europe

Emerged as a major ideology in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to social and economic problems created by industrialization
Key figures:
- Karl Marx: Criticized capitalism, advocated for a classless society, and wrote "Das Kapital"
- Friedrich Engels: Collaborated with Marx, wrote "The Condition of the Working Class in England"
- Vladimir Lenin: Led the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, adapted Marxism to Russian context
Types of Socialism:
- Reformist Socialism: Focused on gradual, peaceful reforms within capitalist systems (e.g., social democracy)
- Revolutionary Socialism: Advocated for violent overthrow of capitalism and establishment of a socialist state (e.g., communism)

Russian Revolution

Causes:
- Economic hardship: Russia's economy was struggling with widespread poverty and inequality
- Political repression: Tsar Nicholas II's authoritarian rule and lack of civil liberties
- World War I: Russia's disastrous involvement led to food shortages, inflation, and military defeats
February Revolution (1917):
- Mass protests and strikes in Petrograd (St.Petersburg) led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II
- Provisional Government established, led by Alexander Kerensky
October Revolution (1917):
- Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, overthrew the Provisional Government in a largely bloodless coup
- Established the world's first socialist state, with the Bolsheviks as the ruling party
Aftermath:
- Civil War (1918-1922): Bolsheviks fought against anti-communist forces, eventually emerging victorious
- Establishment of the Soviet Union: In 1922, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic became the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)

Description

Explore the rise of socialism in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including key figures such as Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Vladimir Lenin. Learn about their contributions to socialist ideology and its impact on European history.