Lecture Notes: Manifesto of the Communist Party

Introduction

• Authors: Karl Marx and Frederick Engels
• First Published: February 1847
• Key Theme: A response to the growing influence of communism and the need to clarify its principles.

Key Concepts and Historical Context

Spectre of Communism

• A spectre is haunting Europe – communism.
• Communism is seen as a powerful force recognized by European powers.
• The manifesto aims to openly publish communist views.

Class Struggles

• History defined by class struggles: oppressor vs. oppressed.
• Modern society simplified into two hostile camps: Bourgeoisie vs. Proletariat.

Bourgeois and Proletarians

• Bourgeoisie: Capitalists owning means of production.
• Proletariat: Wage laborers selling their labor.
• Modern industry has revolutionized class antagonisms, grounding society more into two main classes.

Development and Impact of Bourgeoisie

• Emerged from feudal society, revolutionizing instruments of production.
• Has created immense cities and centralized means of production.
• Historically played a revolutionary role but also led to exploitation.

Impact on Society

• Established global market, influencing global production and consumption.
• Compelled all nations to adopt bourgeois production modes.

Crises and Proletariat Growth

• Bourgeoisie faces internal conflicts, fueling proletariat's growth.
• Proletariat evolved through stages, now organized into unions and political parties.

Proletarians and Communists

• Communists align with proletarian interests, pushing for class formation and overthrow of bourgeoisie supremacy.
• Aim: Abolition of bourgeois property to abolish class antagonisms.

Abolition of Private Property

• Intended to transform social relations by removing the exploitation system of capital over labor.

Socialist and Communist Literature

Reactionary Socialism

• Feudal Socialism: Arises from aristocracy critiquing bourgeoisie from a nostalgic standpoint.
• Petty-Bourgeois Socialism: Critiques bourgeois contradictions but is unable to envision a post-capitalist society.

Conservative or Bourgeois Socialism

• Aims to address social grievances without altering bourgeois structures.

Critical-Utopian Socialism

• Proposes idealistic visions of a future society, lacking practical revolutionary methods.

Position of Communists in Relation to Other Parties

• Support movements that oppose existing social orders.
• Emphasize property issues in all revolutionary activities.

Prefaces to Various Editions

• 1872 German Edition: Reflects on changes since original publication.
• 1882 Russian Edition: Comments on Russia's revolutionary potential.
• 1883 German Edition: Engels reiterates Marx's influence.
• 1888 English Edition: Notes the historical spread and impact of the manifesto.
• 1890 German Edition: Discusses the manifesto’s influence and the evolution of socialism.
• 1892 Polish Edition: Marks industrial development in Poland.
• 1893 Italian Edition: Relates historical relevance to Italy’s revolutionary history.

Conclusion

• Communists advocate for the overthrow of existing conditions.
• Rallying cry: "Workers of all countries, unite!"