How Marx became a communist

“Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win.”

With these words Karl Marx announced the arrival of a new revolutionary movement, based on the profound, scientific conclusions that he had worked out alongside his close friend and collaborator, Friedrich Engels. 

Their ideas would have a colossal impact on the course of world history. Today they continue to inspire millions.

In this session, Josh Holroyd will explore the theories and events which inspired and influenced the young Karl Marx. In doing so we hope to better understand not only the core principles of modern Communism, but also the differences between this and many other socialist trends that influence revolutionary movements to this day.

Recommended reading: The Communist Manifesto (Marx & Engels)

Further reading: Socialism: Utopian and Scientific (Engels) / On the History of the Communist League (Engels)