What are the methods or ways each group hoped to accomplish the changes they felt were necessary and state what each hoped to achieve.
- Utopian Socialists
- Revolutionary Socialists
- Evolutionary Socialists
There are a large number of supporters for both the command economy and the welfare state. A question arises as to which system is better. Suppose you are required to support the position that the command economy is vastly superior. State some arguments that could be used to defend this position.
Utopian Socialists - many sites for research:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Utopian+Socialists+&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=
Revolutionary Socialist:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Revolutionary+Socialists+&btnG=Search
Evolutionary Socialists:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Evolutionary+Socialists+&btnG=Search
When you have done some research and writing, one of the teachers will be happy to make suggestions and comments.
To understand the methods and goals of different socialist groups, we need to delve into the context and motives of each of them. Let's explore three distinct groups: Utopian Socialists, Revolutionary Socialists, and Evolutionary Socialists.
1. Utopian Socialists:
Utopian Socialists were active during the early 19th century. They believed in creating an ideal society through moral persuasion rather than violent revolution. Notable figures within this movement include Charles Fourier, Robert Owen, and Henri de Saint-Simon.
Methods: Utopian Socialists believed that social harmony could be achieved through establishing cooperative communities based on principles of cooperation, equality, and common ownership. They sought to bring about change by creating self-sufficient communities that served as examples for the broader society.
Achievements: Although Utopian Socialism didn't result in large-scale societal changes, their ideas influenced future socialist movements. They introduced concepts like workers' rights, equal distribution of wealth, and a critique of capitalism, laying the groundwork for future socialist theories.
2. Revolutionary Socialists:
Revolutionary Socialists emerged during the mid-19th century and advocated for fundamental societal change through revolution. Prominent revolutionary socialist thinkers include Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Vladimir Lenin.
Methods: Revolutionary Socialists believed that the existing capitalist system needed to be dismantled completely. They argued that the working class should rise against the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and establish a socialist society through a violent revolution. They emphasized class struggle and the need for a proletariat-led revolution.
Achievements: Revolutionary Socialists, notably through the writings of Marx and Engels, laid the foundation for scientific socialism. Their ideas shaped numerous communist revolutions, such as the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the establishment of the Soviet Union. They aimed to achieve a classless society, where the means of production were collectively owned and the workers controlled the state.
3. Evolutionary Socialists:
Evolutionary Socialists, also known as Social Democrats or Democratic Socialists, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This group aimed to achieve socialism through gradual reforms, rather than a violent overthrow of the system.
Methods: Evolutionary Socialists believed in participating in parliamentary politics and working within the existing political framework to achieve their goals. They sought to build a strong labor movement through unions, cooperate with other progressive forces, and push for legislation and reforms that addressed social inequality and workers' rights.
Achievements: Evolutionary Socialists played a significant role in shaping the welfare state and promoting social reforms in many countries. They made strides in improving workers' conditions, implementing social safety nets, and expanding political rights. Democratic Socialism has become a popular form of socialism in various European countries.
In summary, while Utopian Socialists focused on creating ideal communities, Revolutionary Socialists sought to bring about radical change through violent revolution, and Evolutionary Socialists aimed to achieve socialism gradually through parliamentary politics and social reforms. Each group's methods and goals were influenced by their beliefs about the existing system and their vision of an equitable society.