Marx - The Communist Manifesto

What is the main claim Marx makes about Communism at the beginning of his manifesto?

Communism is haunting Europe.

How were opposition groups labeled by the conservative government to discredit them?

They were branded 'communist'.

What major societal conflict does Marx identify as emerging from class struggles?

The primary conflict between the Bourgeois and Proletarians.

Who were the burghers in the context of society's evolution?

Merchants or tradesmen who formed a middle-class entity in cities.

What economic change led to the rise of the bourgeois class?

Increased trade with colonies and other markets.

What major development replaced guilds in the industrial system?

The manufacturing class.

In what way did modern industry transform production and the workforce?

It replaced small manufacturers with big factories and large-scale production.

What is characterized as a major crisis in capitalism according to Marx?

Overproduction.

How do proletarians contribute to the crisis of overproduction?

Their low wages make it impossible for them to afford the goods they produce.

What motivates the formation of Trade Unions among the proletariat?

To fight against low wages and work exploitation.

What drives political centralization as mentioned by Marx?

The clustering of people and property consolidation under fewer companies.

What role does technology play in the organization of the proletariat?

It helps facilitate their communication and organization into larger groups.

Why do some members of the bourgeois class join the proletariat?

Due to loss of wealth, competition, or slow production.