Friedrich Engels

Definition

Friedrich Engels was a German philosopher, social scientist, and political theorist who co-authored 'The Communist Manifesto' with Karl Marx in 1848. His work laid the foundation for modern socialism and Marxism, emphasizing the relationship between economic conditions and societal structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Engels was born on November 28, 1820, in Barmen, Prussia (now Wuppertal, Germany), into a wealthy industrial family.
2. He played a crucial role in funding Marx's writings, allowing him to focus on theory rather than economic survival.
3. Engels also wrote important works on topics such as family, private property, and the state, notably 'The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State.'
4. His collaboration with Marx led to the development of key concepts like historical materialism, which argues that history is driven by material economic forces.
5. After Marx's death in 1883, Engels worked to promote and defend Marxist theory, ensuring its continuation and influence in socialist movements worldwide.

Review Questions

• How did Engels contribute to the development of socialist theory alongside Marx?
  • Engels significantly contributed to socialist theory by co-authoring 'The Communist Manifesto' with Marx, which outlined the principles of communism and called for proletarian revolution. He also provided financial support to Marx, allowing him to devote more time to writing. Moreover, Engels' writings elaborated on the materialist conception of history and social structure, which became foundational elements in Marxist theory.
• Analyze the significance of dialectical materialism in Engels' work and how it relates to his views on society.
  • Dialectical materialism is central to Engels' theories as it posits that material conditions influence societal development and consciousness. This framework helps explain societal change through contradictions within economic systems. By applying this lens to historical events, Engels argued that the evolution of societies is rooted in class struggles driven by material interests, thus framing social dynamics within an economic context.
• Evaluate the impact of Engels' contributions on modern socialist movements and how his ideas continue to resonate today.
  • Engels' contributions have had a profound impact on modern socialist movements by providing a theoretical basis for critiques of capitalism and advocating for class struggle. His insights into the nature of class relationships and economic exploitation remain relevant today as contemporary movements address income inequality and workers' rights. Additionally, his ideas have inspired various interpretations of socialism, influencing political parties and organizations worldwide in their pursuit of social justice and equity.

Related terms

Marxism: A socio-economic theory that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society achieved through revolutionary means, based on the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Dialectical Materialism: A philosophical approach that combines dialectics and materialism, suggesting that material conditions shape ideas and society, central to Engels' and Marx's theories.

Proletariat: The working class in capitalist societies, who, according to Engels and Marx, are exploited by the bourgeoisie or capitalist class.