Page 50 - History of Christianity II- Textbook

Marx also became interested in the development of history and the changes which inevitably passed
through society. He termed this idea – historical materialism. Marx increasingly began to believe that a
Proletarian (Communist revolution) was not just desirable, but, an inevitable consequence of historical
evolution.

This period led up to Marx and Engel’s most famous work – A short pamphlet titled ‘ The Communist
Manifesto‘.
Unlike the majority of Marx’s work, this Manifesto was short, to the point and included fiery,
inspirational language, designed to awaken the desire for revolution.

After the revolutions which swept Europe in 1848, Marx increasingly found himself under suspicion and
scrutiny from French and Belgian authorities. He decided to flee to London and continue his work from
there.

In London, Marx became more involved with the burgeoning Communist Movement. He was influential
in the First Congress of the international, where he sought to argue against the anarchist wing led by
Mikhail Bakunin.

Another influential event was the Paris Commune uprising of 1871, though defeated after two months.
Marx enthusiastically supported this as being a forerunner of future Communist revolutions.

Marx spent considerable time in the British Library researching political economy. This led to his deepest
work – Das Capital – a dense and thorough examination of Capitalist society and economy.

Marx also sought to examine all aspects of life from his new Marxist analysis. For example, he sought to
show religion was merely a tool of Capitalist society to keep the workers under the thumb.

Following the death of his beloved wife, Jenny, in 1881, Marx’s health deteriorated and died from
Bronchitis and Pleurisy in 1883. He was buried at Highgate cemetery London.
(https://www.biographyonline.net/writers/karl-marx.html)

How many people can one man’s ideas influence? Ever thought about that question?
How many people could come to Christ if you are faithful and obedient to your calling to
be a witness to the ends of the earth?
Karl Marx was the father of Communism. His ideas are the major doctrines of
communism and socialism which have shaped the course of modern history. Entire countries have
believed his ideas. As a result, wars have been fought over his ideologies. Here are some startling
facts: 65 million were killed in China, 30 million in the Soviet Union, 25% of the population of
Cambodia (2 million), and in Africa, 1.7 million have died. In fact, from 1917 to 2017, more than 100
million (that’s 100,000,000 people) have been killed as a result of Communism. Ideas have
consequences and can shape lives for eternity!

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