The Communist Manifesto

Part 1.

“The Communist Manifesto was a 23-page pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and published in 1848.  It was written partially aimed at a lay audience, when addressing the common workers, and partially at the ruling class, when it attacked the reader as the bourgeoisie. Historically speaking, it provides a foundation for understanding the motives and policies of the communists at the beginning of their movement.”

Read the following excerpts from the Manifesto and answer the following questions in Word:

“The [written] history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle”

• According to Marx what is the history of mankind all about?
• What would inspire Marx to believe such a thing? Where would he point for evidence of his beliefs?

“The Communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. They openly declare that their ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a communist revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Workingmen of all countries, unite.”

• According to Marx are communists afraid of expressing their views?
• What do communist believe is the only manner in which to achieve their goals?
• What are the communist’s goals?
• Who should fear the communist movement? Why?
• Who is Marx’s audience? Who is he addressing?
• Why should the working class unite?

Part 2.

 Visit the following site and research the following questions and answer in Word:

http://www.onlineschools.org/resources/online-guide-to-the-communist-manifesto/

• What is a communist society supposed to be like?
• Why did the ideas of socialism and communism arise?
• According to Marx what was the main reason for worker’s hardships?
• Initially, after the overthrow of capitalism who would rule?
• Eventually, what would happen to all social classes?
• Name some revolutions inspired by Marx’s ideas.