The Communist Manifesto is one of the most famous and influential texts in world history.  It has literally changed the trajectory of history in the modern era.  But how radical or novel are the ideas in the Communist Manifesto?  How new are these ideas of Engels and Marx?  In a 1-2 page essay highlight what Marx may have owed to other utopian thinkers we have read?  What ideas that you encounter here are similar to those we have already read?  After highlighting similarities, I want you to focus on what really is new with the Communist Manifesto.  How did Marx and Engels break new ground?  In both instances I want you to be specific.  Highlight particular passages both where Marx and Engels borrow, and where they break new ground. 


Marxism show-and-tell
It is hard to underestimate the impact of Karl Marx in our world and society.  From politics and philosophy to sport and music, his ideas have impacted an incredibly wide range of human activity.  Come to class with one example of how Marxist ideas have had an impact on people seeking to create a better world.  Feel free to bring an example that ended in failure or catastrophe or one that yielded a more positive result.  At the bottom of your essay, describe your "show-and-tell" in a short paragraph.