Karl Marx The Creator of Socialism and

Communism.
While the champions of laissez-faire economics praised
individual rights and voiced anti-government
interference, other thinkers focused on the good of
society in general. They condemned (criticized) the evils
of industrial capitalism, which they believed had created
a huge gap between the rich and poor. To end poverty
and injustice, they offered a radical (major) solution
socialism. Under the economic system of socialism, the
people as whole, rather than private individuals would
own and operate the means of production the farms,
factories, railroads, and other big businesses that
produced and distributed goods to the people.

Karl Marx lived in Germany in the 1800s. At that time, countries like Britain and
Germany were experiencing the Industrial
Revolution. Cities were growing, factories were
being built, and things were being made by
machines in factories instead of by hand.
Railroads were being built. A small number of
people who owned these factories were getting
very rich due to all the business and profit from
their new factories. Meanwhile, while they were
getting rich, they paid their workers very little.
This is the capitalism system. Most people in
Capitalism according to Marx are poor, work in
dangerous conditions, and live in bad housing
conditions, crowded apartments, have sewage problems, no toilets, no running water etc.
Karl Marx thus criticized capitalism. He wanted workers to benefit from their hard
work and long hours and not just the owners. He wanted workers to have a revolution
and take over. His ideas became known as socialism, or later on as communism.
Socialists wanted to develop a world in which society would operate for the benefit of all
members, rather than just for the wealthy.
In a socialist society, government would own all
businesses. The government would ensure that
every member of society has a job that contributes
to the overall well being of the country. There will
be no unemployment. In addition, the government
would decide what each job is worth. The
government will decide how much pay each

worker in the different jobs will receive, as well as how many days they will work. Since
people are working for the overall well being of the country, workers would be paid
equally or very close to one another. Doctors will work the same hours for the similar pay
as laborers. Lawyers wouldnt receive much more compensation (money) than a farmer.
A college graduate will have a higher-level job, but receive similar compensation as a
non-college graduate. Thus, in this society, everyone will do a job he or she is capable of
doing, so that each part of society can function to the best of its ability. Money would not
play a major factor in this society, and thus, social classes would cease (not) exist.
In a socialist society, the government will control how much is produced, so no material,
time, or resources is wasted. The government will own all land, to prevent people from
selling their land, and thus disrupting the balance of the classes. All social classes shall
be abolished (gotten rid of) due to the government owning all means of production and
regulating (controlling) businesses and controlling employee pay. Everyone, male or
female, young or old, educated or not, will be viewed equally by all citizens and the
government. With everyone having the same rights, same income, same land rights, the
ideal (perfect) society will be formed. All people will be working together for the
common good of the state!
Part 1 Answer the multiple-choice question by choosing the best possible answer
1) Which statement is supported by the ideas of Karl Marx?
A) Private ownership of businesses helps workers
B) Industrial Capitalism allows workers and employers to work together for a common
good
C) Countries should benefit from the wealth of their colonies
D) Industrialization benefits the wealthy and exploits the poor
2) What did Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels believe would be the result when
communism emerged finally as the dominant political and economic system?
A) The Soviet Union would become the worlds only super power
B) Only two social classes would exist in society
C) All the evils of the industrial society would disappear
D) Citizens would own their individual farms and homes
3) Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels encouraged workers to improve their lives by
A) demanding pensions and disability insurance
B) overthrowing the capitalist system
C) participating in local government
D) electing union representatives

4) According to the theories of Karl Marx, history can be viewed as a

A) succession of famines that result in the destruction of civilizations
B) repeating cycle of Imperialism and colonialism
C) listing of the accomplishments of the ruling classes
D) continuous struggle between economic classes
Part 2 Choose THREE questions out of the five to begin working on in class. You will
probably not finish, and need to complete this at home. Do more than three for extra
credit. All questions should be AT LEAST SEVEN SENTENCES LONG!
1) Who is Karl Marx? What theory did he come up with? According to the article, what
are the problems he has with capitalism? Do you agree with the article?
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2) What are some characteristics / policies / goals / of a socialist society?
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3) How does a socialist society compare to a capitalist society?

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4) Would you want to live in a socialist society? Why or why not? Give me clear
EVIDENCE.

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