Political Ideologies and the Rise of Global Imperialism

Marxism and the Proletarian Revolution

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels denounced the exploitation of the working classes and were staunchly against capitalism. They advocated for a dictatorship of the proletariat, the end of private property, and the abolition of social classes and the state to achieve communism. Marxists proposed the creation of socialist labor parties with the ultimate aim of a proletarian revolution. They sought to promote the election of workers and their participation in national parliaments.

Anarchism and Individual Freedom

Mikhail Bakunin was a key anarchist thinker. The basic principles of anarchism included individual freedom and the defense of collective property. Anarchists rejected all forms of authority and sought the creation of a collective and egalitarian society, often in opposition to traditional politics. While some advocated for attacking the bourgeoisie, the State, the Church, and the Army, others focused on the development of revolutionary unions.

The Rise of Internationalism

Both Marxists and anarchists advocated for the necessity of uniting the working classes to fight against capitalism. This led to the formation of the International Workingmen's Association, comprised of Marxist workers and trade unionists. However, ideological differences between Marxists and anarchists eventually led to the organization's dissolution. In Paris, some trade unionists formed the Second International, a socialist organization dedicated to coordinating the programs of various socialist parties. This movement established significant symbols of the labor movement, such as Labor Day.

Imperialism and Global Domination

The Second Industrial Revolution transformed the economies of major European powers. Europe asserted world domination by establishing advanced colonial empires across Africa and Asia, exploiting natural resources and seizing political power.

Key Causes of Colonialism

• Economic: European countries sought new markets to sell surplus stocks, acquire cheap raw materials, and invest capital surpluses elsewhere.
• Demographic: Rapid population growth in Europe created a surplus population, resulting in unemployment and significant social tension. Colonial expansion allowed many to emigrate to these new territories.
• Political: Great powers engaged in political and military competition to control strategic locations to bolster their economies.
• Ideological: Conservative nationalism claimed that white people were superior and could impose their laws on colonies, though some socialist intellectuals opposed colonialism.

Liberalism and Industrial Capitalism

Adam Smith established the core principles of liberalism. He argued that individual self-interest and the pursuit of maximum benefit drive the economy. Under this system, prices are determined by supply and demand, and the state should not intervene in economic affairs. Industrial capitalism is an economic system where the means of production are privately owned by a few. This system eventually faced crises when supply exceeded demand, leading to economic instability.