question 4 Flashcards
historical era marx
Karl Marx believed that history moves through different stages based on how people produce goods and who controls them. He called this idea historical materialism and outlined six main stages:
Primitive Communism
Early humans lived in small groups, shared everything, and had no private property or social classes.
Slavery (Ancient Society)
Societies became more complex, and slavery emerged. A small ruling class owned land and slaves, creating big inequalities.
Feudalism
Land was the main source of wealth. Lords owned land, and peasants (serfs) worked for them in exchange for protection. Social classes were rigid.
Capitalism
Private businesses and factories dominate. The rich (bourgeoisie) own production, while workers (proletariat) sell their labor. This system creates big wealth gaps.
Socialism
A transition stage where wealth and resources are shared more fairly, and the government helps reduce inequality.
Communism
A classless, stateless society where everyone works together, owns everything collectively, and takes only what they need.
Why Did Marx Outline These Stages?
Marx believed that economic systems shape society and that each stage naturally leads to the next. He thought capitalism would eventually collapse due to its problems (like inequality and crises), leading to socialism and, eventually, communism. His goal was to show that change is inevitable and inspire action for a fairer future.