What is MARXISM?


Marxism is a political and economic philosophy emphasizing the importance of class struggle in society. It is based on the work of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels from the middle of the 19th century, and is often described as a form of Socialism. Marxism calls for society’s inevitable progression from capitalist oppression to a socialist, classless society through a worker’s strike.

Marxism was the foundation for many political ideologies which followed, including Communism, Nazism, Stalinism and Maoism. Many political leaders of the 20th century, including Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler, were followers of the teachings of Marx and Engels. The teachings of Marxism would ultimately help to mold many important global events of the 20th century, including both World Wars. Marxism was first attempted to be instilled into a national consciousness by the October Revolution of Vladimir Lenin in 1917.