Question

\let the ruling classes tremble at a communistic revolution. the proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. they have a world to win. workingmen of all countries unite!\ - karl marx & friedrich engels, the communist manifesto (1848) the communist manifesto by german philosophers karl marx and friedrich engels describes class struggle and the effects of capitalism. what were some of the abuses that the working classes (proletarians) suffered? what action do the authors suggest that workers should take to improve their conditions?

Explanation:

• Abuses: In capitalist industrialization, workers were treated as mere tools. Factories maximized profit at their expense (long hours, low wages). Urban migration led to overcrowded, unsanitary living. They had no say in laws or policies affecting them.
• Action: Marx and Engels believed unity was strength. A united proletariat could challenge the ruling (capitalist) class. Revolution would dismantle the exploitative capitalist structure and create a society where workers (proletariat) owned the means of production.

Answer:

• Abuses suffered by proletarians: Exploitation in factories (long hours, low pay), poor living conditions (overcrowded slums), lack of job security, no political power.
• Action suggested for workers: Unite (as per "Workingmen of all countries unite!") to overthrow the capitalist system through revolution.