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'''Marxism''' is an revolutionary movement developed by the German historian/economist [[Karl Marx]] and by the German political scientist [[Friedrich Engels]].  Marx's approach is indicated by the opening line of the Communist Manifesto (1848): “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”. Marx believed that [[capitalism]], like previous socioeconomic systems, would produce internal tensions which would lead to its destruction. Just as capitalism replaced [[feudalism]], capitalism itself will be displaced by [[communism]], a classless society which would emerge after a transitional period in which the state would be nothing else but the revolutionary dictatorship of the proletariat.  

'''Marxism''' is an revolutionary movement developed by the Jewish historian/economist [[Karl Marx]] and by the German political scientist [[Friedrich Engels]].  Marx's approach is indicated by the opening line of the Communist Manifesto (1848): “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”. Marx believed that [[capitalism]], like previous socioeconomic systems, would produce internal tensions which would lead to its destruction. Just as capitalism replaced [[feudalism]], capitalism itself will be displaced by [[communism]], a classless society which would emerge after a transitional period in which the state would be nothing else but the revolutionary dictatorship of the proletariat.  

[[Communism]], in a broad sense, is the political manifestation of Marxist philosophy.  Communism was never firmly defined outside of the communist manifesto, allowing leaders such as [[Lenin]] and [[Mao]] to specifically tailor it to their expediant political needs. Communism grew in popularity in the late 19th century western industrial democracies before taking revolutionary root in Russia.  However, rising working standards coupled with a growing middle class severely stunted the communist movement in Western Europe and North America. A world communist state like Marx envisioned was never realized.

[[Communism]], in a broad sense, is the political manifestation of Marxist philosophy.  Communism was never firmly defined outside of the communist manifesto, allowing leaders such as [[Lenin]] and [[Mao]] to specifically tailor it to their expediant political needs. Communism grew in popularity in the late 19th century western industrial democracies before taking revolutionary root in Russia.  However, rising working standards coupled with a growing middle class severely stunted the communist movement in Western Europe and North America. A world communist state like Marx envisioned was never realized.