What kind of society did early socialist want?

How early? Marx and Engels, Eugene Debs? Look up Eugene Debs. Or look up socialism in the Progressive Era (1890-1920).

Early socialists envisioned different types of societies, but their common goal was the establishment of a society characterized by greater equality, social justice, and collective ownership of resources. To understand the kind of society early socialists wanted, it is essential to explore the ideas put forth by prominent thinkers of that era, such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, considered the founders of scientific socialism or Marxist socialism, foresaw the emergence of a classless society free from the exploitation of one class by another. According to Marx, early socialist societies would first need to go through a transitional phase called socialism or the "dictatorship of the proletariat" before achieving full communism.

In this transitional phase, Marx envisioned a society where the means of production, including factories, land, and resources, are owned collectively by the working class or the proletariat. This would involve the abolition of private property and the establishment of a planned economy. In such a society, the surplus value created by labor would be distributed equitably among all members, ensuring a more equal distribution of wealth.

Furthermore, early socialists sought to address the social and economic disparities prevalent in capitalist societies. They aimed to provide universal access to education, healthcare, and social welfare, leveling the playing field and ensuring that every individual could lead a dignified life. Additionally, early socialists advocated for the empowerment of workers, including workplace democracy, where workers would have control over decision-making processes.

It is important to note that early socialist thinkers had differing views on the specific mechanisms that should be employed to achieve their vision. Some advocated for gradual reforms within existing capitalist systems, while others believed in revolutionary change and the complete overthrow of capitalism.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the kind of society early socialists wanted, exploring the works of prominent socialist thinkers such as Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Robert Owen, and Pierre-Joseph Proudhon can provide further insights into their specific ideas and visions.