A system of economic, social, and political philosophy based on ideas that view social change in terms of economic factors. A central tenet is that the means of production is the economic base that influences or determines the political life.
Under Marxism, outdated class structures were supposed to be overthrown with force (revolution) instead of being replaced through patient modification. It held that as capitalism has succeeded feudalism, it too will be removed by a dictatorship of the workers (proletariat) called socialism, followed quickly and inevitably by a classless society which governs itself without a governing class or structure.
Developed in the 19th century jointly by two lifelong German friends living in London - Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) - it forms the foundation of communism.
Use 'Marxism' in a Sentence
Some have pointed to the fall of states like the USSR as proof that Marxism does not work and that they retained the corruption and class systems that they were meant to end.
Tired of the failures of capitalism, John decided that he would embrace Marxism as a change and attempt to ease the woes of the world.
The new economic and political structures of the world seem to be moving as far away from the ones outlined by Marxism.
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