The Rise of Socialism

The rise of socialism during the Enlightenment was fueled by thinkers who questioned traditional hierarchies and inequalities in society. As Enlightenment ideas spread, emphasizing reason, individual rights, and social justice, people began advocating for a system where resources and power were shared more equally. Intellectuals like Karl Marx critiqued capitalism, arguing it exploited workers. The focus on collective well-being and the belief in progress led to movements demanding better conditions and rights for all, not just the privileged few. This shift in thought laid the groundwork for socialist ideologies that sought to create fairer societies through collaboration and communal ownership.