3 Introduction – The Communist Manifesto

Published in 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’s Communist Manifesto embodies the spirit of our course: these are indeed a few words that changed the world. In the context of HIST 1808F, bear in mind our discussions of the globally significant ideologies and material transformations of the nineteenth century, including industrial capitalism, nationalism, imperialism, and mass politics. The influences of these processes and others are conspicuous in the Manifesto. As you read the text, make note of the terminology that Marx and Engels use, underlining any concepts that are new or strange. These might include communism, bourgeoisie, proletariat, and class struggle. We will explore all of these in class together.