Communist Manifesto

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Recommended: The impact of feudalism in Europe

During the 19th century, Europe faced a transition from its Feudal system to a newly born capitalism. The decline of the feudal system was caused by several political uprising. These revolutions gave way for the birth of different political ideologies, such as liberalism, radicalism, and socialism (among others). This new era set the stage for several changes in Europe. Most notably, the industrialization and urbanization of Europe. Even though the industrial revolution had both positive and negative impacts on Europe, it was problematic as it established new social classes defined by the means of wealth. As a consequence to the industrial revolution, Marx and Engels, who held socialist ideas, attacked the capital system. They aimed to abolish private property and classes themselves. However, it can be reasonably argued that their call for a violent workers’ revolution was an ill solution to the crisis at that time. A revolution will bring destruction, lack of confidence in leadership, and enforced equality on humans rather than a natural, gradual movement toward reform and prosperity as suggested by other political ideologies of the same time period. Under Feudalism, the majority of the society were poor peasant who were submissive to their masters. These peasants suffered due to bad harvests, high prices, famines, agricultural depression, etc. The kings and the nobility owned everything, and they gave very few (or no) rights to the lower class. The rich did not pay any taxes, while the poor were the ones who paid taxes. In addition, any attempts for revolts were punished severely and often led to raising taxes. However, enlightenment influenced the people and led to a political awakening. It caused an increase in education, sc... ... middle of paper ... ...eemingly sudden way. In addition, an all-out workers’ revolution will bring more ruin to the nation than reform. A violent revolt can case destruction of factories and property that has brought some positive changes, such as an increased production. In addition, these nations, which had just emerged from uprisings, were probably unwilling to face another revolution. A revolution might also cause lack of faith in any future socialist leadership that will form, because the people would have experienced how destructive the initial socialist movement was (as contrary to reformative). Therefore, a more gradual change in political and social systems (such as to republicanism) seem as a better response to the crisis than this socialist jump of measures. The gradual change can also allow self-determination for the people and freedom, which was needed in Europe at that time.

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