Socialism (excluding key thinkers)

When did socialism emerge

In the enlightenment like liberalism

What do socialism and liberalism have in common (5 points)

• both take optimistic view of human nature

• Both support reason over faith and superstition

• Both like progressive politics and challenge the status quo

• Both wish to promote liberty

• Both uphold idea of ‘foundational equality’

What is foundational equality

Men and women are born equal and deserve equal opportunities in life

What is the main serious difference between liberals and socialists

the issue of private property

What is capitalism

An economic system based on private property, private enterprise and competition

What is common ownership

An alternative to both private property and a capitalist economy

When did the ideology of socialism become more widespread

During the industrial revolution in Germany and Britian

Why did early socialists like Marx and Engels believe that liberalism was not enough to respond to the challenges of capitalism

They thought it was partly the cause of the issues due to its emphasis on private property and laissez faire economics

What is utopian socialism?

An early form of socialism which was based on a vision of perfect human existence but was criticised by Marx as lacking a practical method

What are the 4 main socialist beliefs about human nature

• Optimistic

• Fraternal

• Rational

• Communal

• Malleable

What is the socialist view of human nature as optimistic?

Humans are fundamentally good and have been corrupted by

not naturally selfish and greedy, they have been corrupted by capitalism but under a socialist state