Socialism Flashcards
Who is considered the father of modern socialism?
Karl Marx, who co-authored The Communist Manifesto in 1848.
What is socialism?
A political and economic theory advocating for public ownership and control of resources and industries, aiming for equality and fairness.
What was the main idea behind The Communist Manifesto (1848)?
It called for the working class (proletariat) to overthrow the capitalist system and create a classless society.
What is the difference between socialism and capitalism?
Socialism advocates for government control of industries, while capitalism supports private ownership and free markets.
What were the key ideas of Utopian socialism?
The belief in creating ideal communities with fairer living conditions, focusing on cooperation over competition.
Who was Robert Owen and what did he contribute to socialism?
Robert Owen (1771-1858) was a factory owner who advocated for better working conditions and established a model socialist community in New Lanark, Scotland.
What was the New Lanark community?
A socialist community created by Robert Owen in the early 1800s, offering better wages, education, and living conditions for workers.
How did socialism influence the Industrial Revolution?
Socialism critiqued the harsh conditions of industrial capitalism and pushed for reforms like workers’ rights, better wages, and improved living conditions.
What is the difference between Marxism and Utopian socialism?
Marxism focuses on revolution by the working class to overthrow capitalism, while Utopian socialism seeks gradual, peaceful reform through ideal communities.
When was the Labour Party founded in the UK and how is it linked to socialism?
The Labour Party was founded in 1900 and was inspired by socialist ideals, aiming to represent working-class interests and promote public ownership.
What was the impact of the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act on socialism?
It worsened conditions for the poor, leading social reformers to call for socialism as a solution to inequality and poverty.
What role did the Chartist Movement (1838-1850s) play in the rise of socialism?
It advocated for political reforms like universal male suffrage, which influenced socialist ideas of equality and workers’ rights.
