The Communist Manifesto
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels 1848
A short pamphlet argues that history is a struggle between classes, and calls on workers to take power. It opens with the words: A spectre is haunting Europe, the spectre of communism.
41 pages 48 min reading time
- The founding text of modern communism and one of the most influential political documents ever written.
- Argues that history is a story of class struggle, which under capitalism pits owners against wage workers.
- Ends by calling on workers of all countries to unite, overthrow capitalism and end private ownership of industry.
- It inspired socialist and labor movements worldwide and guided Lenin and the Russian Revolution of 1917.
- It became official doctrine in communist states, including authoritarian regimes such as Stalin's Soviet Union and Mao's China.
Pushed by an ultimatum
After weeks of silence from Marx, the League demanded in January 1848 that he finish by February 1.
Ordered by a secret league
At its 1847 London congress, the Communist League of German exiles asked Marx and Engels to write it.
Built on Engels's draft
Engels's question-and-answer draft came first, and Marx shaped the final text from it.
Arrived as revolutions began
It was printed in London in February 1848, just as revolution broke out in Paris, but it had little effect.
Translated from German by Samuel Moore 1888
From the 1888 English edition, edited by Friedrich Engels