Karl Marx wrote in the Communist Manifesto that “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” Analyze the quote and select the statement about events in France during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that best supports this argument.(1 point)

Responses

Conservatives supported the Bourbon Restoration.
Conservatives supported the Bourbon Restoration.

Women led a march on the Palace of Versailles to demand cheaper bread prices.
Women led a march on the Palace of Versailles to demand cheaper bread prices.

The Second French Republic granted universal suffrage to all men.
The Second French Republic granted universal suffrage to all men.

Napoleon was defeated by the British at the Battle of Waterloo.

The quote “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles” from Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto emphasizes the idea that all societies have seen conflict between different social classes as the driving force behind historical change. This statement points towards the clashes between the ruling classes and the oppressed or working classes as a recurring theme.

To analyze the events in France during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that best support this argument from the perspective of Marxist theory, we should look for an example that clearly showcases a struggle between different socioeconomic classes.

Let's examine the options provided:

1. Conservatives supported the Bourbon Restoration.
While this event involves political struggle, it is not directly pertaining to a class struggle in the sense described by Marx. It is about the political restoration of the monarchy, which is more of a clash between conservative and liberal political ideologies.

2. Women led a march on the Palace of Versailles to demand cheaper bread prices.
This event, known as the Women's March on Versailles, directly connects to class struggles. It involved working-class women, and it was driven by economic hardship and the struggle for basic needs, such as affordable bread. This event ties closely into the Marxist view of class struggle, as it is a clear example of people rising up against economic injustice and the ruling classes.

3. The Second French Republic granted universal suffrage to all men.
Granting of universal suffrage is a significant milestone in the struggle for equality, reducing the class-based barriers in political participation. Though important, it is not as direct a demonstration of class struggle as an active rebellion or protest against class oppression.

4. Napoleon was defeated by the British at the Battle of Waterloo.
This event is a military conflict between nations rather than a direct example of internal class struggle within a society.

Out of the four options, the one that best supports Marx's statement about class struggle is "Women led a march on the Palace of Versailles to demand cheaper bread prices." This event is a vivid example of the lower classes, in this case, women, actively contesting the socioeconomic situation imposed by the ruling class, which aligns well with the concept of history being characterized by class struggles.

only one answer

Women led a march on the Palace of Versailles to demand cheaper bread prices.

To analyze the quote by Karl Marx and select the statement that best supports the argument, you need to consider the concept of class struggles throughout history.

Marx argued that in every society, there has been a continuous conflict between different social classes, typically characterized by the oppressed masses rising up against the ruling elite. The chosen statement should reflect a situation in which societal classes clashed due to economic or social inequalities.

From the given options, the statement that best supports Marx's argument is "Women led a march on the Palace of Versailles to demand cheaper bread prices." This event, known as the Women's March on Versailles, occurred during the French Revolution, specifically in 1789. The march was led by working-class women from Paris who were angry about the high cost and scarcity of bread, which severely impacted their livelihood and survival. The march demonstrated a clear conflict between the lower class and the ruling elite, symbolized by their demand for cheaper bread directly challenging the monarchy's policies.

Overall, this statement aligns with Marx's belief that social issues, such as class struggles, are a significant driver in shaping historical events.