Socialism and Communism MidtermQuestion #1Marxism was created by Karl Marx and Federick Engels; they both sought a better future for the working class. Marx, born in Germany in 1818 and died in London in 1883, lived in a world where he was in complete disagreement with capitalism. Frederick Engels was also born in Germany in 1820 and died in London in 1895. They thus created their own philosophical and economic thought called Marxism. The problem with Marx was that he was always willing to change his mind about certain theories or ideas that he created. This is why it is very difficult to understand how Marxism works. Additionally, Marxism is usually stereotyped with mainstream communism, which is why people seem to ignore it and simply view it as a machine of radical oppression. In Lenin's words, "the three main sources of Marxism are: British political economy, French socialism and German idealist philosophy." The origins of Marxism date back to the mid-19th century, when Carl Marx wanted to create a completely egalitarian society (Eaton). He was not the only one to have these kinds of opinions. Several socialists tried to reach out and explain what was happening. He basically tried to explain what was wrong with society at the time and how we can change for the better, according to him. Marxism was an opposition to the three main trends affecting the labor movement, anarchism, utopia and the heavy tendencies of the bourgeoisie (Eaton). Marxism undermines all forms of authority, seeking to destroy the capitalist state. In the early days of Marxism, the individuals who promoted it were quiet people who simply wanted a socialist future. The only problem was that there was no science... middle of paper ... and Germany seemed to have much more control over its people at the time than Russia. This could have been a decisive factor in the reaction of its population at that time. Works cited1. Selsam, Howard and Harry Martel. Reader in Marxist philosophy: based on the writings of Marx, Engels and Lenin. New York: International, 1963. Print.2. Hobsbawm, EJ The Age of Empire, 1875-1914. New York: Pantheon, 1987. Print.3. Eaton, John. Political Economy: A Marxist Handbook. New York: International, 1966. Print.4. “MARXISM AND CLASS CONFLICT.” MARXISM AND CLASS CONFLICT. Np, and Web. March 30, 2014.5. "SOCY 151 - Lecture 12 - Marx's theory of history." Open courses at Yale. Np, and Web. March 31, 2014.6. “Academia.edu and share your research with the world.” Karl Marx's theory of the mode of production as a cyclical process. Np, and Web. March 31. 2014.