Ep 1. The Locomotive of History

The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin, season 1, episode 1, is titled "The Locomotive of History." This episode takes viewers on a journey through the early days of communism, starting with the teachings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Over the course of the hour-long episode, viewers will learn about the political theories that would one day give rise to communist governments around the world.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the world of the mid-1800s, where capitalism was on the rise. Viewers see how the Industrial Revolution led to wealth inequality, with a small number of ambitious capitalists accumulating vast fortunes while the working class struggled to make ends meet. This is the world in which Marx and Engels came of age, and the conditions they saw around them would inspire them to write the Communist Manifesto.

Viewers are then introduced to Marx's central theory: that history is driven by class struggle. According to Marx, the wealthy ruling class exploits workers and keeps them in poverty, leading to discontent and societal unrest. Eventually, workers rise up and overthrow the ruling class, creating a new society where workers control the means of production and share the wealth.

The episode goes on to explore how Marx's ideas were disseminated throughout Europe, with socialist and communist parties forming in various countries. It also tracks the influence of Marx's ideas on Vladimir Lenin, the revolutionary who would eventually lead the Bolshevik Party to power in Russia.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a variety of historical images and expert interviews, providing context and analysis. They hear from historians who explain the nuances of communist theory and how it evolved over time. They also hear from modern-day political figures who reflect on the successes and failures of communist movements, offering a diverse range of perspectives that help to illuminate the complex history of communism.

Overall, "The Locomotive of History" provides a fascinating look at the origins of communism and the ways in which Marxist theory shaped the political landscape of the 20th century and beyond. From the opulent halls of the capitalist elite to the picket lines of striking workers, this episode offers a sweeping overview of a complex and important movement that continues to shape our world today.