Karl Marx's Early Thought: Genesis and Influences (1840-1848)

Genesis of Karl Marx's Early Thought (1840-1848)

We must first consider some general aspects that determined the genesis of Karl Marx's thought, especially in the period between 1840 and 1848.

Historical and Socio-Economic Context

From a political point of view, this period included the conservative position supported by King Frederick William IV of Prussia and the diffusion of liberal ideas in Germany, a consequence of French influence. All this, coupled with the lack of a working class capable of mobilization against the constant political conservatism, led writers and historians to argue for revolutionary ideas. Amidst this exchange of ideas, from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century, Europe witnessed a series of revolutionary movements, such as the Revolution of 1848, which involved the revolutionary experience of the Paris Commune of 1871, along with the founding of the International Workingmen's Association (First International).

This era was characterized by a very uneven socio-economic situation across countries. There was a general increase in industrialization that culminated with the Industrial Revolution, especially in England, where the analysis formed the basis for Marx's and Engels's critique of capitalism. Furthermore, the continent saw the existence of large inequalities between the bourgeoisie and the working class, who were subject to harsh conditions, including long working hours, minimum wages, and inhumane living conditions in the cities.

Karl Marx: A Brief Biography

Karl Marx, a philosopher, politician, and economist, was born in 1818 in Germany and died in London in 1883. In Paris, he met Friedrich Engels, with whom he forged a solid friendship and would later collaborate on several works. He was expelled from Paris in 1845 at the request of the Prussian government. He took refuge in Belgium, where Engels helped draft the famous Communist Manifesto in Brussels.

Major Works and Influences

Among Marx's most important works are:

• The Holy Family
• The German Ideology
• The Poverty of Philosophy
• Das Kapital

His production synthesized the most important conclusions of classical German philosophy (Hegel), the scientific findings of English economists (like Adam Smith), and French utopian socialism.

Stages of Marx's Revolutionary Works

The revolutionary works of Marx can be classified into three main stages:

1. Early Philosophical Foundations (1842)

   In 1842, he presented his doctoral thesis, Difference Between the Democritean and Epicurean Philosophy of Nature.

2. Formative Intellectual Period (1842-1848)

   The second phase, from 1842 to 1848, is considered the richest and most intellectually important, as it saw a series of events central to Marx's development:

   • Encounters with socialist and communist revolutionary groups.
   • Meetings with exiled German workers.
   • Extensive collaboration with his friend Friedrich Engels.

   Besides these meetings, this period also includes days of political turmoil and Marx's collaboration with the Rheinische Zeitung. Some works from this stage include: Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right, The Holy Family, Theses on Feuerbach, and The Poverty of Philosophy, among others.

3. Later Economic Contributions (From 1849)

   Finally, his last stage, beginning in 1849, includes two major works: A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy and Das Kapital.