Historical Encyclopedia
Karl Heinrich Marx (1818-1883) was a German philosopher, economist, sociologist, and political theorist whose ideas significantly influenced the development of socio-economic thought and political practice worldwide. His works became the foundation for Marxist theory, which for over a century has shaped views on class struggle, economy, and history.
Karl Marx was born on May 5, 1818, in Trier, in the Duchy of Lorraine, to a family of Jewish descent. His father was a lawyer, and the Marx family held a relatively high social status. In 1835, he entered the University of Bonn, and later transferred to the University of Berlin, where he became interested in philosophy and political economy.
Marx began his career as a journalist and wrote articles on politics and economics. In 1843, he moved to Paris, where he met Friedrich Engels, with whom he became co-author of many key works. One of the most famous is the "Communist Manifesto," written in 1848, which outlines the main idea of class struggle.
One of Marx's most famous works is "Capital," the first part of which was published in 1867. In this work, he analyzes the capitalist system and its internal contradictions. Marx examines how capitalism creates inequality and exploitation and predicts its inevitable collapse.
Marx's works became the foundation for critical economic theory, sparking significant debates among economists and sociologists. His ideas influenced the development of movements such as socialism and communism and became the basis for a number of revolutionary movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Marx actively participated in the political life of his time. He was one of the founders of the First International in 1864, an organization uniting workers from different countries. His efforts focused on organizing the labor movement and the fight for workers' rights.
After Marx's death in 1883, his ideas continued to evolve and adapt to new conditions. In the 20th century, Marxism became the foundation for numerous socialist and communist movements around the world. However, the interpretation and application of Marxist theories have sparked controversies and disagreements.
In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in Marx's works, especially in light of globalization, inequality, and economic crises. Many researchers and activists are revisiting his ideas, attempting to adapt them to modern conditions.
Karl Marx left a profound mark on world history and philosophy. His works continue to provoke interest and discussion, and ideas about class struggle and social justice remain relevant today. Marx was not only a theorist but also an active participant in his era, making his figure even more significant for study.