Reformers and Revolutionaries In this lesson, students will be able to identify the following terms: Unions Karl Marx Proletariat Communism E. Napp

There were many problems created by industrialization. From child labor to low wages, many injustices occurred. E. Napp

By the late 19th century, the misery of the working classes and the injustices of capitalism disturbed the consciences of many of the new middle class. E. Napp

Workers organized unions. A union is an organization of workers that promotes higher wages and better conditions. E. Napp

After strikes and struggling for better conditions, laws began to limit child labor and ensure shorter working hours. E. Napp

However, some individuals, like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels had revolutionary ideas. They published The Communist Manifesto in 1848. These ideas became the basis of Communism or Marxism. E. Napp

The Class Struggle Marx believed that society was divided into two classes: the bourgeoisie (owners of capital and factories) and the proletariat (workers). Marx believed that these classes would always be in conflict with one another. E. Napp

Marx believed the wealthy bourgeoisie lived off the labor of their workers. E. Napp

Owners cheated their workers by taking most of the wealth workers’ produced. The bourgeoisie profited while workers starved. E. Napp

Marx believed that the bourgeoisie would never peacefully give up their wealth and power. He believed that only a revolution would change society. E. Napp

Only a revolution could alter society. Marx believed that the bourgeoisie had to be forcefully removed from power. E. Napp

“Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains.” Karl Marx E. Napp

Dictatorship of the Proletariat After overthrowing the bourgeoisie, workers would jointly own the land, labor, and capital of the nation. A dictatorship would be necessary to ensure economic equality. However, the dictatorship would eventually “wither away”. E. Napp

Questions for Reflection: What problems were created by industrialization? Why did workers form unions and what changes did unions promote? Who was Karl Marx and what did he believe? Why were the proletariat exploited? What are the key beliefs of communism? E. Napp