Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Karl Marx's character came from his experiences as a child. As a convert, a lofty Christian idealism paved his way into philosophical study, but the Prussian authorities' unwarranted suspicion of his father, who was a lawyer, a constitutionalist, a democrat, and a Jew, led young Karl to consider, with discontent, the structure of government. The author points out that, although Marx studied under Hegel, the greatest influence in his life was his longtime friend, Friedrich Engels, who introduced Marx to many of the works of influential economists of the time, which would help him shape his economic and human philosophy. The paper relates that Vladimir Lenin extended Marxism and made it more comprehensible for the masses, augmenting it into Marxist-Leninism. Without Karl Marx, there probably would never have been a Russian Revolution.

From the Paper:

"In 1864, the International Working Men's Association (IWMA) was founded. It gave Marx the needed conduit for his revolutionary cause. Marx actually drew up the rules for the group, clearly advocating the gradual gain of power through parliamentary assemblies. This became the best means for freeing the proletariat in industrially advanced countries like Britain. With his strong opinions and stronger understanding of politics, Marx eventually became a member of the IWMA's general committee. This position gave him the clout he needed to present his ideas: such as strong support of the Paris Commune. This bold action drew the attention of all, especially the frightened French bourgeoisie. Unfortunately his position in the IWMA was the height of his official political career. He became under attack from the working class, who were unsupportive of his extreme measures, and others disliking any kind of authority. With Marx's political defeat, the IWMA lost all of its effectiveness and eventually dissolved into nonexistence. Although Marx no longer had any official place in politics, working-class leaders from Germany, France, and Britain continued to consult him about their problems."

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