Key Ideologies and Early Workers' Movements

Marxism: Ideology and Historical Context

Marxism, in contrast to utopian socialism, emerged as a revolutionary ideology aiming to transform society. Its development was significantly influenced by the unrealized projects and negative experiences of the 1848 revolutions.

Core Tenets of Marxism:

• Historical Materialism: Analysis of the past through material conditions.
• Dialectical Materialism: Understanding the class struggle and its historical analysis.
• Surplus Value and Capital Accumulation: A critical examination of contemporary capitalism.
• Dictatorship of the Proletariat: A proposed project for the future.

Anarchism: Bakunin's Vision

Anarchism, particularly as espoused by Bakunin, is a radical and extremist ideology. It postulates that the state has historically destroyed human liberty and institutions, and therefore must be eliminated to restore freedom to individuals.

Bakunin's vision for a society of free individuals, without a state, proposes:

• Suppression of the state.
• Dissolution of armed forces.
• Disappearance of the church.

Key Differences: Marxism vs. Anarchism

Significant divergences existed between Marx and Bakunin, shaping the future of the workers' movement:

• Concept of History:
  • Marx: History as a product of class struggle.
  • Bakunin: History based on individual actions and freedom.
• Industrial Revolution & Revolutionary Agents:
  • Marx: Revolution led by industrial workers and peasants.
  • Bakunin: [View not specified in original text].
• Objectives:
  • Marx: Conquer the state to transform society.
  • Anarchism: Destruction of the state.
• Political Intervention:
  • Marxists: Accept political participation.
  • Anarchists: Reject political engagement.
• International Organization:
  • Anarchists: Advocated for decentralization within the International Workingmen's Association (AIT).
  • Marxists: Defended centralization within the AIT.

The First International (1864-1876)

Founded in London, the First International (International Workingmen's Association - AIT) brought together trade unions and workers from across Europe. Under Karl Marx's influence, its general statutes were drafted.

Stages of the First International:

• Period of Splendor (1864-1870): Marked by congresses in Brussels, Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne, which strengthened international solidarity.
• Period of Crisis (1870-1876): Characterized by growing differences and tensions between Marxists and Bakuninists, culminating in the fall of the Paris Commune.

The Paris Commune (March-May 1871):

The Paris Commune was a revolutionary workers' government established after the fall of Napoleon III and the proclamation of the French Third Republic. Its suppression contributed to the crisis of the First International.

Following the establishment of the Third Republic and the dissolution of the AIT, the workers' movement largely split into two main currents: anarchists and socialists (who later evolved into socialist communists).

Workers' Parties and the Second International

Key Workers' Parties Formed:

• United Kingdom: Independent Labour Party (1893) / Labour Party.
• France: French Section of the Workers' International (SFIO, 1905).
• Germany: Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).
• Spain: Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).

The Second International (Founded 1889):

The Second International was founded in Paris in 1889, coinciding with the centenary of the storming of the Bastille.

Key Aspects of the Second International:

• Socialist Symbols: Popularized the celebration of May 1st and adopted "The Internationale" as its anthem.
• Political Stance: Addressed critical issues such as militarism, colonialism, and imperialism. It strongly opposed the arms race and advocated for peace, notably through manifestos against war.