Notes on The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

I. Bourgeoisie and Proletarians

• Class Struggles:
  • History is defined by class struggles: oppressor vs. oppressed.
  • Examples include freemen vs. slaves, patricians vs. plebeians, lords vs. serfs.
  • Modern society simplifies this to two main classes: Bourgeoisie (capitalists) and Proletariat (working class).
• Rise of the Bourgeoisie:
  • Emerged from the ruins of feudal society, boosted by discoveries like America.
  • Industrial advancement and trade expanded their influence and power.
  • Conquered political power, representing interests of capital.
• Role of the Bourgeoisie:
  • Revolutionary in abolishing feudal structures; reduced relations to economic terms.
  • Replaced feudal ties with economic interests (cash nexus).
  • Responsible for creating conditions leading to its own downfall (over-production crises).
• Proletariat:
  • Created as a byproduct of capitalism; workers dependent on selling labor.
  • Subject to market fluctuations, with increased numbers due to industrialization.
  • Organizes into unions/trade associations against bourgeois oppression.

II. Proletarians and Communists

• Communist Role:
  • Not a separate party; represents interests of proletariat as a whole.
  • Aim: Overthrow bourgeois supremacy, achieve political power for the proletariat.
  • Communism distinguished by advocating abolition of bourgeois property.
• Communist Goals and Views:
  • Advocate for communal ownership of production means.
  • Critique capitalist exploitation and wage-labor reliance.
  • Aim to transform societal relations fundamentally.
• Critiques and Defense of Communism:
  • Charges against communism (religious, philosophical) dismissed.
  • Emphasize change in consciousness with material conditions.

III. Measures for Proletariat Victory

• Revolutionary Steps:
  • Abolition of land property and progressive tax implementation.
  • Confiscation of emigrant/rebel property, centralizing credit and communication.
  • Public education and industrial integration.
• Outcome:
  • Class distinctions eradicated, production centralized.
  • Political power as oppression diminishes, promoting universal development.

IV. Communists' Position in Global Politics

• Support for Revolutionary Movements:
  • Align with movements opposing current social/political structures.
  • Advocate openly for proletarian revolution, emphasizing property issues.
• Call to Action:
  • Emphasizes unity among workers worldwide.
  • Proletarians encouraged to revolt against oppression for global liberation.