Karl Marx

/

Karl Marx was born on May 5, 1818 in the city of Trier, Germany.

Marx was a revolutionary who advocated "merciless criticism of

everything existing" and was the co-originator of the theories of

"Communism."

In the autumn of 1843, Marx went to Paris in order to publish a

radical journal. It was in Paris in September, 1844 where he first

met life-long friend and associate Frederick Engels. Marx and Engels

were both active in various revolutionary groups and together

worked

out the theory and tactics of "Revolutionary Proletarian Socialism"

or "Communism."

Marx was banished from Paris in 1845 as a dangerous

revolutionary.

He went to Brussels, Belgium. In the spring of 1847 Marx, along

with

Engels, joined a secret society called the "Communist League." At

the league's request they authored the " Communist Manifesto,"

which

outlines the theory of the class struggle, and of the revolutionary

role of the proletariat. Due to his revolutionary activities, Marx

was banished from Belgium in February 1848, finally ending up in

London in 1849 where he lived until his death.

In 1864 the "International Working Men's Association" was founded

in

London. Marx was a central figure in the new organization, and

author of its first statement, and a host of resolutions,

declarations and manifestos. His health was undermined by his

strenuous work for "International." The first volume of "Das

Kapital," Marx's most important work, appeared in 1867. Ultimately

ill-health prevented him from completing two other volumes.

On March 14 1883 Marx passed away peacefully in his armchair. He

lies buried at Highgate Cemetery in London.

Word Count: 264