Reformers and Revolutionaries

1
Reformers and Revolutionaries

• In this lesson, students will be able to
  identify the following terms
• Unions Karl Marx Proletariat Communism

2
There were many problems created
by industrialization. From child labor to
low wages, many injustices occurred.
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.
4
Workers organized unions. A union is an
organization of workers that promotes higher
wages and better conditions.
5
After strikes and struggling for better
conditions, laws began to limit child labor and
ensure shorter working hours.
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.
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.

8
Marx believed the wealthy bourgeoisie lived off
the labor of their workers.
9
Owners cheated their workers by taking most of
the wealth workers produced. The bourgeoisie
profited while workers starved.
10
Marx believed that the bourgeoisie would never
peacefully give up their wealth and power. He
believed that only a revolution would change
society.
11
Only a revolution could alter society. Marx
believed that the bourgeoisie had to be
forcefully removed from power.
12
Workers of the world unite you have nothing
to lose but your chains. Karl Marx
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.

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?