European Socialism 7-2-25

AI Overview

Socialism gained significant popularity in Europe during the 19th century, particularly in the latter half, with the rise of socialist movements and the emergence of socialist parties. This period saw the development of various socialist ideologies and their influence on political and social thought. Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

Early Influences: Socialist ideas had roots in the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, but the first self-conscious socialist movements emerged in the 1820s and 1830s. 

The Term "Socialism": The term "socialism" itself gained prominence in the 1820s and 1830s, becoming associated with movements advocating for social reform and common ownership. 

The Revolutions of 1848: The Revolutions of 1848 across Europe, while ultimately unsuccessful in some aspects, fueled socialist agitation and helped solidify socialist ideas. 

Rise of Socialist Parties: In the late 19th century, socialist parties dedicated to democratic socialism arose, drawing primarily from Marxist ideas. 

Key Figures and Movements: Influential figures like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, with their Communist Manifesto, and the British political philosopher John Stuart Mill, who advocated for a form of economic socialism within a liberal context, significantly shaped socialist thought. 

Influence on Politics: By the 1880s, socialist movements had coalesced, leading to the formation of major socialist parties in countries like Britain and Germany. 

Democratic Socialism: The latter part of the 19th century and the 20th century saw the rise of democratic socialism, with movements advocating for democratic decision-making and public ownership of the means of production.

When did socialism become popular in Europe ?

Socialism became popular in Europe primarily during the 

19th century, gaining traction as a response to the social and economic consequences of the Industrial Revolution. 

Key factors contributing to its rise:

·       Industrial Revolution: The shift to industrial production created a stark division between wealthy factory owners (bourgeoisie) and a large, often exploited, working class (proletariat).

·       Wealth Inequality: The widening gap between the wealthy industrialists and the poor working class led many to seek a more equitable distribution of wealth.

·       Poor Working Conditions: Workers faced challenging conditions, including low wages, long hours, and unsafe factories, which fueled discontent and a desire for change.

·       Rise of Labor Movements: Labor unions emerged to advocate for workers' rights, playing a key role in popularizing socialist ideas and highlighting the need for systemic change.

·       Political Mobilization: Socialist ideology became increasingly intertwined with efforts to gain political representation for the working class, leading to the formation of socialist political parties. 

Early socialist movements and thinkers:

·       The term "socialism" entered political language in the 1830s and was associated with thinkers like Henri de Saint-Simon, Charles Fourier, and Robert Owen.

·       Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, with their "scientific socialism" or Marxism, significantly impacted the development of socialist thought, particularly through "The Communist Manifesto" in 1848.

·       The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the establishment of socialist parties in various European countries. For instance, the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) was founded in 1875, becoming a model for others.

·       The Second International was founded in 1889, uniting socialist groups across Europe. 

In essence, socialism gained popularity in 19th-century Europe as a response to the challenges and inequalities created by the Industrial Revolution, advocating for workers' rights, social welfare, and a more equitable distribution of wealth.  

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Comments

We were able to visit Mexico in 1969 and confirmed the poverty we observed from lack of family land ownership.

I visited Singapore in 1984 and confirmed that Asians were extremely “free market oriented”, “family oriented” and productive. We visited Germany in 1993 and confirmed the “brain-washing” damage done by Socialism. I traveled to New York in 1970 and 1971 and it was a wreck. We visited New York in 1995 and confirmed the miraculous recovery of New York achieved by Rudy Guiliani.  We visited Italy in 2001 and confirmed the damage done by Expanded Government Employment and the retraction of their “Private Sector”.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader