History and the Formation of Marxism

This book explores the relationship between Marxism and history, arguing that the French Revolution of 1789 was a crucial event in the formation of Marxism and should be taken seriously as a core constitutive element. It calls for transcending traditional approaches to Marxism and emphasizes the interplay between past, present, and future, as well as the role of states, social classes, socio-economic determination, and political organization in history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 251 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This groundbreaking book revolutionizes our understanding of the relationship between Marxism and history. At its core, Marxism originated from a profound desire to analyze society and drive transformative change. It drew upon the rich tapestry of the past, using historical events as a foundation for creating a visionary "poetry of the future." Among the early Marxists, the French Revolution of 1789 held a special place, as it catalyzed their intellectual journey. By delving into the diverse interpretations of this pivotal event among Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and prominent European Marxists before 1914 (Karl Kautsky, V.I. Lenin, and others), this book makes a compelling argument for the significance of taking the historiography of concrete past events seriously. It goes beyond treating history as an auxiliary element of Marxism, recognizing it as a fundamental constitutive element in shaping the ideology. This book challenges us to transcend traditional approaches to Marxism, viewing it as a dynamic and evolving set of social theories intertwined with strategies for the present and future. It holds immense relevance for students of Marxism, the labor movement, and the French Revolution alike, offering fresh perspectives on the interplay between past, present, and future, as well as the profound role of states, social classes, socio-economic determination, and political organization in shaping history.

Weight: 483g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031096549
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022