1. Reformers and Revolutionaries
In this lesson, students will be able to identify the following terms:
Unions
Karl Marx
Proletariat
Communism
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2. There were many problems created by
industrialization. From child labor to low
wages, many injustices occurred.
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3. 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.
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4. Workers organized unions. A union is
an organization of workers that promotes
higher wages and better conditions.
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5. After strikes and struggling for better
conditions, laws began to limit child labor
and ensure shorter working hours.
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6. 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.
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7. 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.
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8. Marx believed the wealthy bourgeoisie
lived off the labor of their workers.
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9. Owners cheated their workers by taking most
of the wealth workers’ produced. The
bourgeoisie profited while workers starved.
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10. Marx believed that the bourgeoisie
would never peacefully give up their
wealth and power. He believed that
only a revolution would change society.
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11. Only a revolution could alter society.
Marx believed that the bourgeoisie
had to be forcefully removed from power.
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12. “Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your
chains.”
Karl Marx
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13. 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”.
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14. 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?
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