The growth of factories and cities in the 1800s changed how people thought about politics a lot. This time saw important ideas from thinkers like Karl Marx and John Stuart Mill. People moved from farming to working in big factories, which caused many changes in society.
1. Understanding Class Differences
Karl Marx noticed that the new factory jobs created clear social classes. There were the bourgeoisie, who were the business owners and rich people, and the proletariat, who were the workers. Marx believed that workers were often taken advantage of in this system. He famously said that “the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” As factories grew, people became more aware of their class differences. Marx thought this awareness would lead to a revolution to change capitalism into socialism, where everyone would share ownership of the factories and businesses.
2. Fighting for Individual Rights
On the other side, John Stuart Mill focused on the importance of individual rights and freedoms. He saw that the industrial age promised progress but also raised concerns about personal freedoms. Mill argued for liberalism, which means supporting personal freedoms and political rights. He famously declared, “Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” This focus on the individual's rights partly came from the harsh working conditions many people faced in factories.
3. The Clash Between Liberalism and Socialism
As society changed, a conflict grew between these two ideas. Marx criticized liberalism for focusing too much on individualism and ignoring the unfairness in society. Meanwhile, Mill defended individual rights, believing they were crucial for making progress. This debate shaped political discussions in the 19th century and laid the foundation for today’s conversations about balancing individual rights with the needs of the community.
The growth of factories and cities in the 1800s changed how people thought about politics a lot. This time saw important ideas from thinkers like Karl Marx and John Stuart Mill. People moved from farming to working in big factories, which caused many changes in society.
1. Understanding Class Differences
Karl Marx noticed that the new factory jobs created clear social classes. There were the bourgeoisie, who were the business owners and rich people, and the proletariat, who were the workers. Marx believed that workers were often taken advantage of in this system. He famously said that “the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” As factories grew, people became more aware of their class differences. Marx thought this awareness would lead to a revolution to change capitalism into socialism, where everyone would share ownership of the factories and businesses.
2. Fighting for Individual Rights
On the other side, John Stuart Mill focused on the importance of individual rights and freedoms. He saw that the industrial age promised progress but also raised concerns about personal freedoms. Mill argued for liberalism, which means supporting personal freedoms and political rights. He famously declared, “Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” This focus on the individual's rights partly came from the harsh working conditions many people faced in factories.
3. The Clash Between Liberalism and Socialism
As society changed, a conflict grew between these two ideas. Marx criticized liberalism for focusing too much on individualism and ignoring the unfairness in society. Meanwhile, Mill defended individual rights, believing they were crucial for making progress. This debate shaped political discussions in the 19th century and laid the foundation for today’s conversations about balancing individual rights with the needs of the community.