Ep 3. The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital

The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin is a historical documentary series that explores the evolution and impact of communism, focusing on the ideas of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. In season 1 episode 3, titled "The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital," the series delves into two of Marx's seminal works that provided the intellectual framework for communist theory.

The episode begins by examining the influence of the Industrial Revolution on Marx's thinking. The rapid development of industry and urbanization in Europe created a new class of workers who were exploited by capitalists for their labor. Marx believed that this class struggle would eventually lead to a revolution that would overthrow the capitalist system and establish a socialist society.

The Communist Manifesto, written by Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, lays out this theory of class struggle and revolution. The episode explores the manifesto's key ideas, including the division of society into two classes - the bourgeoisie and the proletariat - and the need for the proletariat to unite and overthrow the bourgeoisie. The manifesto also calls for the abolition of private property, the establishment of a centrally planned economy, and the eventual withering away of the state.

The episode then turns to Das Kapital, Marx's three-volume work on political economy. The series highlights the complexity of Marx's ideas on economics, including his critique of the capitalist system and his belief that labor is the source of all value. The episode explains how Marx's analysis of the labor theory of value influenced his belief that capitalism ultimately leads to economic instability and crises.

The series also explores the influence of Marx's ideas on later communist leaders, including Vladimir Lenin. Lenin's interpretation of Marx's ideas, known as Leninism, put an emphasis on the need for a vanguard party to lead the revolution. The episode examines Lenin's writings, including his 1902 work What Is To Be Done?, which argue that the working class could not achieve revolution on its own and needed the guidance of a disciplined and centralized party.

Overall, "The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital" provides a comprehensive overview of Marx's ideas and how they influenced the rise of communism. The episode sheds light on the complex and nuanced theories behind communism, and offers a unique perspective on one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century.