Marxism vs. Anarchism: Key Differences and Impacts

Marxism and Anarchism: Revolutionary Ideologies of the 19th Century

Revolutionary ideologies emerged in the 19th century. These ideologies promoted working-class interests and aimed to transform society through a workers' revolution. The most important of these were Marxism and Anarchism.

Marxism

Marxism is a socialist ideology developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels based on their analysis of politics and the economy. It advocates for the destruction of capitalism and the establishment of a communist society. Key concepts include:

• Class struggle: The oppressed proletariat would organize themselves and struggle against their oppressors, the capitalist bourgeoisie. Their objective would be to gain political power.
• The dictatorship of the working classes: Once they had achieved political power, the working classes would establish a new social and political order.
• The communist economy: Private property (capitalism) would be abolished, along with the means of production.
• The communist society: The class-based society would disappear because everybody would have the same relationship with the means of production. Society would be equal and without classes.

Anarchism

Anarchism was first developed by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, and its best-known advocate was Mikhail Bakunin. They supported the overthrow of capitalism via a social revolution. These were the main principles of anarchism:

• Individual freedom: People had to fight against any authority or institution that limited freedom, such as the state and the church.
• Direct action: Each citizen should represent himself or herself, so anarchists rejected political parties and elections.
• The abolition of private property: Society would be organized into independent communes.

Political Ideologies in 19th-Century Spain: Moderates vs. Progressives

Key Differences: Marxism vs. Anarchism