Friedrich Engels

Definition

Friedrich Engels was a German philosopher, social scientist, and political theorist, best known for his collaboration with Karl Marx in developing the theory of socialism and communism. Engels co-authored several important works with Marx, including 'The Communist Manifesto', which laid the foundation for modern socialist movements and critiqued capitalism's exploitation of the working class.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Engels was born on November 28, 1820, in Barmen, Germany, into a wealthy textile manufacturing family, which exposed him to the realities of capitalist exploitation.
2. He provided financial support to Marx throughout their partnership, enabling Marx to focus on his writings and research without the burden of economic struggles.
3. Engels wrote 'The Condition of the Working Class in England' in 1845, highlighting the dire living conditions of workers during the Industrial Revolution and critiquing capitalist society.
4. After Marx's death in 1883, Engels continued to promote their ideas and helped organize the First International, a worldwide organization aimed at uniting various socialist movements.
5. Engels passed away on August 5, 1895, but his work alongside Marx continues to influence socialist movements and critiques of capitalism to this day.

Review Questions

• How did Friedrich Engels' background influence his views on capitalism and socialism?
  • Friedrich Engels was born into a wealthy family involved in the textile industry, which allowed him to observe firsthand the exploitation faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution. This exposure shaped his understanding of capitalism's negative impacts on society and fueled his passion for advocating for socialism. Engels' experiences made him a powerful voice against social injustice, leading him to collaborate with Karl Marx in critiquing capitalism and promoting a socialist alternative.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Communist Manifesto' in relation to Engels' contributions to socialist thought.
  • 'The Communist Manifesto' is one of the most significant works co-authored by Engels and Marx, published in 1848. This pamphlet outlines the principles of communism and serves as a call to action for workers to unite against capitalist oppression. Engels’ contributions helped frame key concepts within the text, such as class struggle and historical materialism, providing a theoretical foundation for future socialist movements and ideologies. Its impact resonates throughout history as it inspired labor movements worldwide.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Friedrich Engels' theories on contemporary social movements and political thought.
  • Friedrich Engels' theories have had a profound impact on contemporary social movements and political thought, particularly in shaping socialist ideologies around the globe. His emphasis on class struggle and critique of capitalism continue to resonate with modern activists advocating for workers' rights and social justice. Furthermore, his collaborations with Karl Marx laid the groundwork for various socialist parties and organizations that still exist today. The ongoing debates about inequality and economic systems show that Engels’ ideas remain relevant as societies grapple with the consequences of capitalism.

Related terms

Karl Marx: A German philosopher and economist who co-developed the theory of socialism and communism with Engels, significantly influencing modern political thought.

The Communist Manifesto: A political pamphlet co-written by Engels and Marx in 1848 that outlines the principles of communism and calls for the working class to unite against capitalist oppression.

Dialectical Materialism: A philosophical approach developed by Engels and Marx, which asserts that material conditions and economic factors drive historical change and social development.