161 years ago today, in 1848, the Communist Manifesto was first published, becoming one of the world's most influential political tracts.
Some things you may not know:
- The Manifesto was originally written by Engels, but when he gave it to Marx for revision, Marx tore it apart and rewrote it. Engels later wrote in an introduction to the Manifesto that the thought was entirely Marx's.
- Marx's wife, Jenny, was from a wealthy family; to support herself and her husband, Jenny slowly pawned inherited silver throughout the years (Marx wasn't widely known or read during his life).
- Before the publication of the Manifesto, Marx was jailed in Brussels for revolutionary activity. He defended himself in court, and the jury later wrote to thank him for the interesting lesson he gave on the activity for which he was originally arrested.
- Marx spoke German, English, French, Latin, and read Russian. His early manuscripts were written in Latin.
- The Manifesto contains the essence of Marx's theory.
- The Manifesto was commissioned by the Communist League of London
Workers of the world, unite!
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