La questione sociale

Summary

The video explores the social question that arose during the Industrial Revolution in Europe, focusing on the poor conditions of workers and the growing social inequalities. Philosophers and thinkers debated justice and fair wealth distribution, leading to the birth of socialism, communism, and labor movements. Socialists sought reforms, while communists, influenced by Karl Marx, advocated for revolution. The Church also responded, with Pope Leo XIII promoting worker rights within the framework of private property. The video touches on the rise of democratic movements and women's suffrage, highlighting the political engagement that shaped the 19th century.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Social Question' emerged after the industrial boom in Europe, highlighting the poor conditions of workers and growing social inequalities.
• 😀 Socialism emerged as a political movement advocating for better protection of workers and more social equality.
• 😀 Early socialists believed that worker exploitation stemmed from private property, especially factories and machinery, and proposed abolishing it.
• 😀 Many socialist ideas were utopian and difficult to realize, as private property was heavily defended by governments.
• 😀 Social movements in Europe during the 19th century were often suppressed by governments, including the outlawing of socialist movements and unions.
• 😀 Strikes became a common form of protest among workers, but initially, these were not recognized by the state and were often violently suppressed.
• 😀 The May Day protest in 1886 in Chicago, where several workers died, led to May 1st being celebrated as International Workers' Day.
• 😀 While socialists called for reforms to create a fairer society, communists, influenced by Karl Marx, advocated for a revolution to abolish private property and the capitalist system.
• 😀 Karl Marx, a major figure in Communism, argued that history is a struggle between oppressors and oppressed, and that society should move towards a classless system through revolution.
• 😀 In 1891, Pope Leo XIII published 'Rerum Novarum', which acknowledged workers' rights to fair pay and decent working conditions, but also defended private property as a natural right.
• 😀 In the 19th century, democratic movements called for universal suffrage, public education, and proportional taxes, with a focus on providing equal political rights for all citizens, including women who formed the suffragette movement.

Q & A

What was the 'social question' that emerged during the Second Industrial Revolution?

The 'social question' referred to the growing concerns about the exploitation of workers and the deep social inequalities in Europe that arose following the Second Industrial Revolution. Philosophers and thinkers began discussing social justice, which focused on the fair distribution of wealth among citizens.

What political movement emerged as a response to the issues of workers and inequality?

Socialism emerged as a political movement calling for greater protections for workers (proletarians) and a more equal society. Early socialists believed that the exploitation of workers was caused by the private ownership of production means (factories and machinery) and advocated for the elimination of private property.

What were the early socialists' views on private property?

Early socialists believed that private property, especially ownership of production means, was the source of worker exploitation. They proposed abolishing private property to create a more just society where wealth would be distributed more equally.

Why were the ideas of early socialists considered utopian?

Early socialist ideas were considered utopian because they were difficult to implement. Governments, which defended private property, were resistant to such changes, and these ideals were seen as political dreams unlikely to be realized.

How did governments react to socialist movements and workers' unions in the 19th century?

Governments in the 19th century often fought against socialist movements and workers' unions, declaring them illegal. Unions, which used strikes as their primary tool for protest, faced harsh repression, sometimes involving violence, as seen in the 1886 Chicago incident.

What was the significance of the First of May, 1886, in labor history?

The First of May, 1886, is significant because during a large workers' demonstration in Chicago, several people were killed. This led to the establishment of May Day (1st of May) as International Workers' Day, a day to honor workers' struggles.

What was Karl Marx's key theory about history and society?

Karl Marx's key theory was that history is a continuous struggle between oppressors and the oppressed, which he defined as class conflict. According to Marx, society was divided into social classes with conflicting interests, such as the proletariat (working class) and capitalists (owners of production).

What did Karl Marx propose in his 'Communist Manifesto'?

In his 'Communist Manifesto,' Karl Marx proposed the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society. He argued that a revolution was necessary to overthrow the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and abolish the capitalist system.

How did the Catholic Church respond to the issues raised by workers during the 19th century?

The Catholic Church, through Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical 'Rerum Novarum,' addressed the issues raised by workers. While defending private property as a natural right, the Church also emphasized the need for workers to receive fair wages, reasonable working hours, and rest, promoting a balance between capitalists and workers.

What was the role of women in the democratic movements of the 19th century?

Women played a significant role in 19th-century democratic movements, particularly in the fight for universal suffrage. The suffragette movement, led by educated women primarily from the bourgeoisie, campaigned for women's right to vote, as well as for broader women's emancipation and gender equality in society and the family.