Friedrich Engels

Definition

Friedrich Engels was a German philosopher, social scientist, and political theorist known for his foundational contributions to socialist thought and the development of Marxism. He is best recognized for co-authoring 'The Communist Manifesto' with Karl Marx, emphasizing the need for social reform to address the inequities of industrial capitalism and advocating for a revolutionary change in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Engels was born on November 28, 1820, in Barmen, Germany, and came from a wealthy industrial family that allowed him to observe the conditions of workers firsthand.
2. He published 'The Condition of the Working Class in England' in 1845, which highlighted the dire living and working conditions during the Industrial Revolution, serving as a pivotal work for social reform.
3. Engels supported Marx financially while they collaborated on various projects, ensuring that Marx could devote himself to writing and political activism.
4. Together with Marx, Engels founded the International Workingmen's Association in 1864 to unite various socialist groups across Europe for greater political influence.
5. Engels continued to influence socialist movements after Marx's death in 1883, particularly through works like 'Anti-Dühring' and his contributions to 'Das Kapital'.

Review Questions

• How did Friedrich Engels' background influence his views on social reform?
  • Friedrich Engels grew up in a wealthy industrial family, giving him access to both the privileged world of capitalism and the harsh realities faced by workers. His observations of worker exploitation and miserable living conditions during the Industrial Revolution deeply impacted his views on social justice. This dual perspective fueled his advocacy for revolutionary change alongside Karl Marx, as he aimed to address the inequalities inherent in capitalist systems.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Condition of the Working Class in England' in relation to Engels’ ideas about social reform.
  • 'The Condition of the Working Class in England' is significant because it served as a wake-up call regarding the severe impact of industrialization on workers. Through detailed observations and statistics, Engels illustrated the harsh realities of factory life, poor housing, and health crises that plagued the proletariat. This work not only brought attention to these issues but also laid the groundwork for Engels’ later arguments advocating for systemic social reform and collective action against capitalism.
• Evaluate how Friedrich Engels’ contributions helped shape modern socialist thought and movements.
  • Friedrich Engels’ contributions were pivotal in shaping modern socialist thought by providing a theoretical framework that highlighted class struggle as a fundamental aspect of societal development. Through his collaboration with Karl Marx on 'The Communist Manifesto', he articulated the necessity of revolutionary change to overthrow capitalist structures. His ongoing work post-Marx's death ensured that these ideas continued to evolve and inspire socialist movements worldwide, making him a key figure in advocating for social reform and labor rights.

Related terms

Karl Marx: A German philosopher and economist, Karl Marx co-authored 'The Communist Manifesto' with Engels and is considered the father of Marxism, advocating for the working class's overthrow of capitalist systems.

Socialism: An economic and political system that advocates for collective or governmental ownership of the means of production and aims to achieve greater social and economic equality.

Proletariat: The working-class individuals who do not own the means of production and are often exploited by the capitalist class, as described in Engels' and Marx's writings.