Concise History of Marxism

Author: Zhuang Fuling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-07-01
Features: Professor Zhuang Fuling, based on the four-volume History of Marxism, edited and published A Concise History of Marxism (published by the People's Publishing House, hereinafter referred to as A Concise History). This book has the following characteristics: It authentically, systematically, yet clearly and concisely presents the overall development of Marxism. A Concise History is divided into four parts:
Founding Era (1840—1895): This part primarily elaborates on the establishment of Marxism and the great theoretical contributions of Marx and Engels, highlighting the historical process and profound significance of the two major discoveries—the materialist conception of history and the theory of surplus value—as well as the profound theoretical system of Marxism.
Exploration Era (1895—1917): This part primarily explains how Lenin, based on changes in the era, revealed the nature of imperialism and its law of uneven development, reached the new conclusion that socialism could first achieve victory in a single country, advancing Marxism to a new stage—the stage of Leninism.
Development Era (1917—1956): This part primarily elaborates on how, under the guidance of Leninism, the October Revolution in Russia opened a new era in human history; Lenin's valuable explorations of the path to socialist construction; the great achievements and serious mistakes in socialist construction led by Stalin in the Soviet Union; and how the Chinese Communist Party, by combining the basic principles of Marxism-Leninism with the specific realities of China, formed Mao Zedong Thought, guiding the great victories of the New Democratic Revolution and socialist transformation in China.
Innovation Era (1956—1997): This part primarily explains the historical process and lessons of failure from the reforms in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe from Khrushchev to Gorbachev; summarizes the basic experience of the Chinese Communist Party in its arduous and winding exploration of the socialist path; correctly evaluates the historical role of Mao Zedong and Mao Zedong Thought; and demonstrates the formation process, main content, and great significance of Deng Xiaoping Theory. It strives to explore the law-like characteristics of the scientific truth of Marxism in its development process, highlighting the theoretical quality of Marxism that keeps pace with the times.
A history of the development of Marxism convincingly and vividly shows the theoretical quality of Marxism that keeps pace with the times. Emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts are the essence of Marxism. The classic writers are role models in grasping this essence. In the 1840s, when capitalism was in an upward phase, Marx and Engels discerned the laws of human social development, profoundly exposed the internal contradictions of capitalism, and proposed the scientific argument that capitalism would inevitably perish and communism would inevitably triumph, raising a bright banner for the liberation of the proletariat and all humanity. However, they did not stagnate or become complacent with the conclusions they had reached. Instead, they continuously summarized fresh experiences, refined existing theories, and corrected and supplemented individual conclusions as practice developed and the era changed. Engels said, "Our theory is a developing theory, not a dogma that must be memorized and mechanically repeated."
The publication of the first volume of Capital in the 1860s transformed scientific socialism from a "hypothesis into a science" (Lenin's words); the summary of the experience of the Paris Commune in the 1870s further demonstrated the brilliant conclusion that the proletariat must smash the bourgeois state machine; the publication of a series of works such as Critique of the Gotha Program, Against Dühring, and The End of Classical German Philosophy in the 1870s and 1880s further perfected the scientific system of Marxism; and in the 1890s, Engels' argument on the active role of the superstructure comprehensively elaborated the dialectical relationship between the economic base and the superstructure, revealing the dialectics of historical movement.
Entering the 20th century, in the era of imperialism and the proletarian revolution, Lenin's theory of victory in one country and the brilliant practice of the October Revolution; Mao Zedong's creative theories and practices of encircling the enemy and attacking from all sides and seizing political power by armed struggle; and especially Deng Xiaoping's new judgment on the theme of peace and development in the late 20th century and his new theories and practices of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, all eloquently proved that keeping pace with the times is an inherent quality of Marxism.
As the 21st century arrived, Comrade Jiang Zemin proposed the important thought of "Three Represents," writing a new chapter in the sinicization of Marxism. Comrade Jiang Zemin called on the entire Party to consciously liberate their thinking from outdated concepts, practices, and systems, from erroneous and dogmatic interpretations of Marxism, and from the shackles of subjectivism and metaphysics, continuously enriching and developing the treasure house of Marxist theory with new ideas, perspectives, and conclusions.
Grasping the historical destiny of Marxism in essence, it educates people to strengthen their faith in Marxism, their belief in socialism, and their confidence in socialism. A Concise History helps people vividly and concretely understand the overall trend and bright prospects of the development of Marxism.
In essence and overall, from the long process of development and the general trend, Marxism is advancing, ascending, and developing. This is because it correctly reflects the laws of objective world movement and change, forming a scientific truth system. However, the general trend of the development of Marxism is reflected through a series of high points and low points, victories and setbacks in specific processes. Objective difficulties and subjective mistakes have once led to low points and setbacks in the development of Marxism. But a truly firm and clear-headed Marxist can deeply understand the unity of progress and twists in the development of Marxism, skillfully seize opportunities and guide developments, remain undisturbed in high points, and not waver in low points, always firmly believing in the bright prospects of Marxism and consciously adhering to its basic principles and scientific system.
Lenin was such a great Marxist. Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping were also great Marxists. They adhered to the basic principles of Marxism, did not abandon the old traditions, but at the same time, based on the new requirements of the era and new practical experiences, they revised and replaced some outdated individual conclusions with new ideas and conclusions, adhering to and developing Marxism under their respective historical conditions, arming and inspiring the masses, and advancing the socialist movement.
Deeply studying and promoting the history of the development of Marxism will help people profoundly understand the basic characteristics and development laws of Marxism, further establish the ideological style of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts, treat Marxism with a scientific attitude, consolidate the theoretical foundation of Marxism as our guiding ideology, and continuously advance the great cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics forward.