Activity Founding Manifesto of the PSOE 1879

2
Consider that this society is unjust, because it divides its members into two unequal and antagonistic classes: one, the Bourgeoisie, that, by possessing the instruments of labour, is the domineering class; the other, the Proletariat, which does not possess more than its vital strength, is the dominated class. (Consider) that the economic subjection of the Proletariat is the primary cause of slavery in all its forms: social misery, intellectual degradation and political dependence. (Consider) that the privileges of the Bourgeoisie are guaranteed by Political Power, which it values in order to dominate the Proletariat. Consider that necessity, reason and justice demand that inequality and antagonism between each class disappear, thus reforming or destroying the social state that has been plunged into the most horrific misery in which those that spend their whole life producing their wealth, which is very little or nothing, are still useful to society. (…) The Socialist Party has the following aspirations: First- The possession of political power by the working class. Second- The transformation of individual or corporate ownership of the instruments of labour (land, mines, transport, factories etc) in the common ownership of the entire society. (…) In summary, the ideal of the Socialist Party is the complete emancipation of the working class. That is to say, the abolition of all these social classes and their conversion into only one, of workers free and equal, honest and intelligent.

Transcript of Activity Founding Manifesto of the PSOE 1879

Page 1: Activity Founding Manifesto of the PSOE 1879

Founding Manifesto of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers Party) 20th of July 1879

Consider that this society is unjust, because it divides its members into two unequal and antagonistic classes: one, the Bourgeoisie, that, by possessing the instruments of labour, is the domineering class; the other, the Proletariat, which does not possess more than its vital strength, is the dominated class. (Consider) that the economic subjection of the Proletariat is the primary cause of slavery in all its forms: social misery, intellectual degradation and political dependence. (Consider) that the privileges of the Bourgeoisie are guaranteed by Political Power, which it values in order to dominate the Proletariat. Consider that necessity, reason and justice demand that inequality and antagonism between each class disappear, thus reforming or destroying the social state that has been plunged into the most horrific misery in which those that spend their whole life producing their wealth, which is very little or nothing, are still useful to society. (…) The Socialist Party has the following aspirations: First- The possession of political power by the working class. Second- The transformation of individual or corporate ownership of the instruments of labour (land, mines, transport, factories etc) in the common ownership of the entire society. (…) In summary, the ideal of the Socialist Party is the complete emancipation of the working class. That is to say, the abolition of all these social classes and their conversion into only one, of workers free and equal, honest and intelligent.

Page 2: Activity Founding Manifesto of the PSOE 1879

Read the text and answer the following questions.According to the Manifesto: What are the differences between the

bourgeoisie and the proletariat? How would inequality and antagonism between

the two classes disappear? What is the main goal of the PSOE?Personal opinion: Why do you think the primary cause of slavery is

the economic subjection of the proletariat?Research: When, where and by whom was the PSOE

founded?