The Historical Genesis of Socialism- Tracing the Foundation of this Ideological Movement

When was socialism founded? This question delves into the historical roots of one of the most influential ideologies of the modern era. Socialism, as an economic and political theory, has its origins in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but its formal foundation can be traced back to the early 19th century with the works of key thinkers like Robert Owen and Karl Marx.

Socialism as an ideology began to take shape in the late 18th century, primarily in response to the Industrial Revolution and the resulting social and economic inequalities. Robert Owen, a Welsh social reformer, is often credited with coining the term “socialism” in the early 19th century. Owen’s ideas focused on the improvement of working conditions and the promotion of social equality through cooperative enterprises.

However, it was Karl Marx, a German philosopher, economist, and revolutionary, who is widely regarded as the father of modern socialism. In the mid-19th century, Marx and Friedrich Engels, his close associate, jointly authored “The Communist Manifesto” in 1848. This seminal work outlined the principles of scientific socialism and the concept of a classless society, marking a significant turning point in the history of socialism.

The foundation of socialism as a political movement can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the emergence of socialist parties and movements in various countries. In 1875, the Socialist Workers’ Party of Germany (SDAP) was founded, becoming one of the first socialist political parties in Europe. The International Socialist Congress, held in Paris in 1889, marked a significant milestone in the organization and coordination of socialist movements worldwide.

Throughout the 20th century, socialism took various forms and influenced numerous political regimes. The Soviet Union, established in 1922, became the first socialist state, and its influence spread to Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. The Cold War era saw a global confrontation between capitalist and socialist ideologies, with significant consequences for international relations and domestic policies.

In conclusion, while the roots of socialism can be traced back to the late 18th century, its formal foundation as a political and economic theory is attributed to the works of Robert Owen and Karl Marx in the early 19th century. The subsequent development of socialist movements and parties in the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the beginning of socialism as a significant force in global politics.