Despite the fact that Marx is the first individual who associates with the ideas of communism and the criticism of capitalism, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of Engels. Two specific elements can be highlighted concerning his efforts toward the maximization of awareness of the dangers and harm correlated with industrial capitalism. On the one hand, Friedrich Engels edited the essential passages in Marx’s “Das Kapital”, an important literary piece exemplifying the exploitation generated by capitalist systems (Hunt, 2009). By directly implementing ideas into one of the crucial literary works on the subject, Engels facilitates a level of promotion of the main ideas and thoughts put on paper by Marx.
However, another way in which Engels impacted the distribution of said viewpoint is by people a practical representation of what capitalism does to workers. It is stated that while Marx was efficient in constructing theories by establishing scientific and philosophical facts, Engels was responsible for the practice on which the ideas were based (Hunt, 2009). Thus, by being one of the many workers who faced the industrial revolution and the increasing consumer demand, Engels was able to share personal instances in which he was exploited in the workforce. Similarly, the stories of other workers obtained by Engels contributed to the establishment of the written manifestoes.
Otto von Bismarck and the German Unification
The German unification was one of the main events in Europe in the 19th century, which generated a variety of positive changes and advantageous transitions. The individual who is often regarded as the main driver for said change was the German politician Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck was a remarkable leader who possessed personality traits, beliefs, and leadership measures that directly or indirectly facilitated said unification from failing. Namely, the first trait that is essential to acknowledge is intelligence. Bismarck created a sense of unity when multiple nations were ready to collaborate and cooperate with Prussia to fight against the oppressor, France (Drone NPC, 2019). Thus, instead of applying brute force, Bismarck understood the need to create circumstances in which unification is a desire rather than a forced action. Moreover, he was versatile both in how he ruled and how he conducted himself (Steinberg, 2011). He could be diplomatic yet authoritative at the same time, depending on what the circumstances dictated. Nonetheless, his belief in diplomacy and a level of neutrality when it came to entering and participating in the war was one of the main elements that led to the relatively peaceful German unification.
Jewish Heritage of Europeans
Needless to say, a Jewish heritage generated a range of problems for people residing in Europe. Namely, discrimination when it comes to acquiring jobs and education, as well as socioeconomic issues, were barriers to integration into European societies. Two separate instances can be examined to determine how the Jewish heritage served as a vehicle for assimilation. Moses Mendelson, the German-Jewish writer, had the opportunity to enter Berlin through the only gate allowing Jewish people to pass through (Schama, 2014). Despite the discriminatory policies, Mendelson acquired a level of education that allowed him to be considered a member of the intellectual community. His Jewish heritage and religion have influenced his texts and allowed him to assimilate while not losing his identity by being a transmitter of personal ideas through the text. Another example is Amalie Beer. She was a German-Jewish salonnière who, despite of her heritage that was considered inappropriate to display, managed to assimilate into the highest German class by portraying the Jewish culture in an aristocratic manner. Hence, orchestras, major celebrations, and gatherings with other people in the high society have allowed Beer to maintain her Jewish heritage while being considered German by others in her circle.
References
Schama, Simon. (2014). A lead of faith. Kanopy. Web.
Steinberg, J. (2011). How did Bismarck do it? History Today. Web.
Hunt, T. (2009). No Marx without Engels. History Today. Web.
Drone NPC (2019). The Germans Bismarck and the German Empire Dw Documentary [Video]. YouTube. Web.