Marxism 101: Intro to Historical Materialism (and the Necessity of Socialism)
Apr 6, 2025
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Dive into an engaging exploration of historical materialism as Breht unpacks its role in the evolution of human societies. Learn how capitalism influences culture and the legal system, showcasing its discrepancies in favor of wealth. Discover the necessity for socialism as a response to capitalism's failures and the importance of organized revolutionary action. The discussion highlights the interplay of law, ideology, and class struggle, arguing for a revolutionary framework to achieve a classless society.
Historical materialism posits that economic structures drive societal development, shaping human consciousness and challenging the perception of capitalism as a natural system.
The evolution of societies, illustrated through various modes of production, highlights significant social upheaval and the internal contradictions that prompt transitions from one system to another.
Class struggle is identified as the fundamental driver of historical change, urging activists to engage in organized resistance and collective action against capitalism.
Deep dives
Overview of Socialist Night School
A new program called Socialist Night School has been launched in Omaha to provide political education focused on theory, history, and praxis. This intensive six-week course aims to elevate the political, social, and theoretical consciousness of local activists and community members. Each session includes lectures followed by discussions and group activities to facilitate learning and connection among participants from various organizations. The program also ensures inclusivity by offering free childcare and quality meals prepared by a professional chef, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Historical Materialism and Its Relevance
The initial lecture introduces historical materialism, a key aspect of Marxist thought, which explains how economic structures, rather than ideas or politics, drive societal development. The discussion emphasizes that material conditions shape human consciousness, affecting beliefs and social relations under capitalism. This perspective challenges common ideologies that view capitalism as a natural system, revealing instead its temporary nature in the broader context of human history. By learning about historical materialism, participants gain tools for understanding class structures and social dynamics that can inform their activism.
The Nature and Contradictions of Capitalism
Capitalism, characterized by private property and wage labor, leads to significant wealth inequality and environmental degradation, reflecting its inherent contradictions. Unlike previous modes of production, capitalism creates an illusion of freedom, as workers must still sell their labor to survive, making them dependent on capitalists. The constant drive for profit and expansion fosters crises and exacerbates social disparities, which raises the question of what will replace capitalism when it inevitably transforms. Recognizing these contradictions is crucial for activists seeking to understand the limitations of the current system and envision a more equitable future.
Modes of Production and Their Evolution
The evolution of societies is framed through various modes of production, highlighting the transitions from primitive communism, through slavery and feudalism, to capitalism. This historical trajectory showcases how each economic system arises, evolves, and ultimately becomes obsolete due to internal contradictions and class struggles. The transition from one mode to another is often marked by significant social upheaval and resistance from oppressed groups. Understanding this evolution empowers participants to recognize that the challenges faced today are not permanent and can be addressed through collective action and conscious political education.
The Role of Class Struggle in Social Change
Class struggle is positioned as the driving force behind historical transformations, emphasizing the need for organized resistance against the current capitalist framework. Activists are encouraged to recognize their agency in shaping societal change rather than waiting for reform from those in power. The potential for socialism is framed not as an automatic outcome but as a necessity that requires ongoing struggle and collective effort. By preparing participants to confront capitalist structures, the lectures aim to inspire a proactive and informed approach to activism that seeks to dismantle oppressive systems and advocate for a more just and sustainable society.
In this lecture, Breht provides an accessible but rigorous introduction to the Marxist theory of history: historical materialism. Breht explains how historical materialism is dialectical materialism applied to the evolution of human societies over time, the role that the base-superstructure model has in understanding culture and ideology, the long march from hunter-gatherer communal societies to slave empires to feudal monarchies to capitalist republics and beyond - to socialist democracy and ultimately to the communist transcendence of class society altogether, marking humanities maturation beyond its predatory phase and into history proper. Throughout the lecture, Breht provides examples, explores nuances, and highlights the pitfalls of attempts to change the system without the theoretical and practical tools of Marxism.
This lecture is part of the Omaha-based political education program Socialist Night School
