Marxism, Anarchism, and the First International

Posted on Feb 25, 2025 in Social sciences

Marxism

The two most important thinkers: Marx and Engels.

The first formulation:

  • The basic idea was published in the Communist Manifesto.
  • Context: “The social history of contemporary art is the history of class struggle.” The text denounced bourgeois society and suggested that it is necessary for the working class to achieve sovereignty to build a new society without classes, and the middle class will disappear.
  • Call to action: “Workers of the world, unite!” Workers should organize and call for political action in defense of their interests and to seize power.

Other main idea: The Workers’ Party is not related to the bourgeois political parties; it should be organized independently.

Marxism’s ideological influence was on two parties: the Socialist and Communist parties.

The Workers’ International Association (AIT) and Anarchism

Workers’ International Association (AIT):

  • The process of the 1860s: The new social theories led to a greater development of worker associations.
  • Result: The AIT was created, also known as the First International.
  • Influenced by Karl Marx. His contribution: The workers themselves must obtain sovereignty, and the working class must participate in the struggle for political control, and thus the transformation of society.
  • Mission: To strengthen workers’ class consciousness.
  • Established in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Spain.
  • The main areas of ideological trends:
    1. Proudhonian supporters of peaceful and gradual evolution were against uprisings, denied workers’ participation in political struggles, and were not in favor of political participation and association.
    2. Resolutions in favor of obtaining labor legislation.
    3. Followers of Bakunin.

Anarchism

  • Main Figure: Bakunin.
  • Basic ideas:
    1. Contrary to centralized organization and political action. They were not only anti-capitalist but also against any other type of state.
    2. They believed in a spontaneous revolutionary uprising, through which workers would remove the state and establish groups and federations.
    3. They did not believe that the main protagonists of the revolution were industrial workers; they were reluctant to be squashed in all sectors of society and proposed supporting farmers, students, and youth.

Conflicts between anarchists and Marxists in the AIT (Brazilian Conference): The conflict centered around participation in political institutions. Bakunin’s fans were totally against this.

Anarchists’ main activity: Primarily to act through trade unions.

Late-nineteenth century paths followed by Anarchists:

  1. Some representatives of Anarchism chose the path of terrorist attacks against the main authorities (King, Prime Minister).
  2. Workers favored the development of direct action (strikes).

The Paris Commune and the Dissolution of the First International

The first experience of workers’ government:

  • Founding environment: The Paris Commune (1871) was established after France lost the war against Prussia, leaving a power vacuum. The Second Empire government escaped to Versailles.
  • Key Players: Proudhonians, internationalists, and followers of Bakunin.
  • End: The troops of the French Third Republic entered the capital, and a massive repression was developed. Thousands of Communards were executed in a process involving 4,700.

Consequences of failure for the AIT:

  1. Bakunin was expelled.