The Communist Manifesto Animated Book Summary

Summary

The Communist Manifesto, written by Marx and Engels in 1848, critiques the class struggles that shape society. It argues that the Industrial Revolution created a new ruling class, the bourgeoisie, who dominate through capital. Marx and Engels predict that exploitation of the working class, or proletariat, will eventually lead to revolution. They envision a future society where production is centered around access to resources for all, not profit. Despite its controversial nature, the Manifesto calls for a transformation of society, challenging us to reconsider its ideas beyond common misconceptions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Communist Manifesto has been banned, censored, and mocked for almost two centuries.
• 😀 Marx and Engels wrote The Manifesto in 1848, at a time when 'Communism' was already viewed negatively.
• 😀 The opening of The Manifesto argues that human history is defined by class struggles.
• 😀 The Industrial Revolution and the colonization of America led to the rise of a new dominant class: The Bourgeoisie (Capital Class).
• 😀 The Capital Class dominates through wealth, not royal bloodlines, unlike previous ruling classes.
• 😀 The Manifesto states that society is now divided into three main classes: The Capital Class, The Middle Class, and The Proletariat (Working Class).
• 😀 If you work for a company or have a boss, you're likely part of the Working Class and are being exploited.
• 😀 As resources become scarcer, companies lower wages, offer fewer benefits, and replace workers when needed.
• 😀 The Manifesto argues that revolution is inevitable, as the Capital Class's actions unite the Working Class against them.
• 😀 The Manifesto envisions a society where the goal of production is to provide access to resources, not profit.
• 😀 The manifesto suggests that everyone should have equal access to the benefits of society, technology, and resources.

Q & A

Why has The Communist Manifesto been banned, censored, and mocked around the world for almost two hundred years?

The Communist Manifesto has been banned, censored, and mocked because it challenges the existing social and economic systems, particularly the capitalist structure. It advocates for a revolutionary shift towards a classless society, which threatens the power of the ruling capitalist classes.

What does Marx and Engels mean by 'the history of human society is a story of class struggles'?

Marx and Engels argue that throughout history, societies have been divided into different social classes, each with opposing interests. These conflicts, or 'class struggles,' have driven societal change and development, and they believe this struggle continues in modern capitalism.

How did the Industrial Revolution and colonization of America impact the social hierarchy?

The Industrial Revolution and colonization led to the rise of a new class, the Bourgeoisie or Capital Class, which gained power through control of capital and industry. This shift broke the dominance of the old aristocratic hierarchies and created a new class structure based on economic power.

What is the Capital Class, and how do they dominate society?

The Capital Class, or Bourgeoisie, is the class that controls the means of production and wealth. They dominate society through their economic power, not through traditional aristocracy or monarchy. Their control over capital allows them to influence politics, society, and even culture.

What are the two other classes in the modern capitalist society, according to The Communist Manifesto?

According to The Communist Manifesto, the two main classes in modern capitalist society are the Middle Class and the Working Class. The Working Class, or Proletariat, is the class that works for wages, often under exploitative conditions, while the Middle Class consists of small business owners and professionals.

How does capitalism lead to the exploitation of the Working Class?

In a capitalist system, the Capital Class seeks to maximize profits, often by paying the Working Class as little as possible and offering minimal benefits. This leads to the exploitation of workers, as they are paid less while companies prioritize their profits over workers' well-being.

Why does The Manifesto argue that revolution is inevitable?

Marx and Engels believe revolution is inevitable because the Capital Class continually exploits the Working Class by lowering wages and stripping away rights. This creates a growing sense of shared struggle among workers, which will eventually lead to a collective awakening and an overthrow of the capitalist system.

What vision do Marx and Engels offer for a society built by and for the Working Class?

Marx and Engels envision a society where the goal of production is not profit, but access to resources and benefits for all people. In this society, resources would be distributed more equally, and everyone would have equal access to society's advancements in technology and culture.

What does Marx and Engels mean by 'access' in a Working Class future?

By 'access,' Marx and Engels mean that all individuals should have equal opportunity to the goods and services produced in society. This contrasts with the capitalist system, where access is often restricted by one's ability to pay, and wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few.

Why might some people want to demonize The Communist Manifesto without reading it?

Some people may want to demonize The Communist Manifesto because its ideas challenge the fundamental principles of capitalism and propose a revolutionary shift. Those in power, particularly within the Capital Class, may prefer that the general public never fully understands the Manifesto's critiques, as it could inspire change that threatens their position.