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Karl Marx
Economic/Political Philosopher

1818 - 1883

History is economics in action.

                                                  —Karl Marx


Karl Marx was born on May 5, 1818 in the city of Trier, Germany. Marx was a revolutionary who advocated "merciless criticism of everything existing" and was the co-originator of the theories of "Communism."

In the autumn of 1843, Marx went to Paris in order to publish a radical journal. It was in Paris in September, 1844 where he first met life-long friend and associate Frederick Engels,/a>. Marx and Engels were both active in various revolutionary groups and together worked out the theory and tactics of "Revolutionary Proletarian Socialism" or "Communism."

Marx was banished from Paris in 1845 as a dangerous revolutionary. He went to Brussels, Belgium. In the spring of 1847 Marx, along with Engels, joined a secret society called the "Communist League." At the league's request they authored the " Communist Manifesto," which outlines the theory of the class struggle, and of the revolutionary role of the proletariat. Due to his revolutionary activities, Marx was banished from Belgium in February 1848, finally ending up in London in 1849 where he lived until his death.

In 1864 the "International Working Men's Association" was founded in London. Marx was a central figure in the new organization, and author of its first statement, and a host of resolutions, declarations and manifestos. His health was undermined by his strenuous work for "International." The first volume of "Das Kapital," Marx's most important work, appeared in 1867. Ultimately ill-health prevented him from completing two other volumes.

On March 14 1883 Marx passed away peacefully in his armchair. He lies buried at Highgate Cemetery in London.

If you are aware of books, movies, databases, web sites or other information sources about Karl Marx or related subjects, or if you would like to comment, please send us email: .

  Resources

•  Other Philosophers the Lucidcafé Library
•  Books By/About Karl Marx
•  Videos About Karl Marx
•  Karl Marx Images
•  Related Websites

     

  Other Philosophers in Lucidcafé's Library


  Books By/About Karl Marx


  Videos About Karl Marx/Communism

  • Communism: The Promise and the Reality (1998) - Producer: People's Century

    The six videos in this box set provide a history of Communism in the 20th century, from the Russian Revolution of 1917 to the eventual collapse of the Iron Curtain in the 1980s. Includes extensive archival footage as well as interviews with major participants including Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Castro, and Gorbachev.

    CLICK HERE to purchase this Video edition of "Communism: The Promise and the Reality"

  Related Websites

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Copyright © 1995-2008 Robin Chew
Article written by Robin Chew - May 1996