A history of socialism

by Thomas Kirkup

A long series of resolutions have been passed by the various Congresses which have met since 1889. If we take those resolutions along with the elaborate programmes that have been formulated by the various national parties, and of which the Erfurt programme may be regarded as the type, we have a set of documents which may undoubtedly be considered official and authoritative. Both resolutions and programmes are the result of a long labour of thought and debate by their best minds. They agree generally in their exposition of principles and tactics. We may, therefore, have no doubt that they contain a reliable statement of the prevalent socialism. We give an abstract of the most important points on which socialists of all lands agree:—

(1) The goal of the whole movement is an economic revolution or transformation—the transference to society of the means of production, distribution, and exchange.

(2) The conquest of political power by the organised action of the working class of all lands is the chief means towards this great end.

(3) The great task of the socialist parties at present is education, agitation, and organisation in the widest sense, with a view to the physical and moral regeneration of the working class, so as to fit it for its great mission. To rouse the class consciousness of the workers, to increase their capacity and efficiency for the class struggle, is the daily task of international socialism.

(4) The struggle for equal and direct universal suffrage, for the popular initiative and referendum, is an important phase of the political struggle, and is fitted to have a good influence on the political education of the workers.

(5) The more purely political struggle of the Socialist Parties should go hand in hand with the more purely economic struggle of the trade unions.

(6) The right of association, of combination, of free meeting, of free speech, and of a free press, is an essential part of the worker’s claim of rights.

(7) The demonstration of the 1st of May is specially recommended in all countries as a means of securing an eight-hours’ working day. The eight-hours’ day is most desirable for improving the family life, the education, the health, energy, intelligence, and morality of the working class.

(8) But the eight-hours’ day is only the most urgent part of a large system of protective legislation in favour of the working class. Besides an eight-hours’ day for adults, they demand special legislation for children, young people, and women; proper rest for all ages; restriction of night work; abolition of the sweating system; effective inspection of factories, shops, and of domestic labour, as well as of agriculture.

(9) They are very strongly opposed to militarism, which they consider due not so much to national or political differences, as to the struggle of the capitalist classes for new markets. They believe that war will end only with the ending of capitalism. The present standing armies are the instruments of the ruling and exploiting class, and should be abolished. Their place should be taken by a citizen army or the armed nation; that is, the entire able-bodied manhood of the people should be trained and equipped on a democratic basis, like the Swiss army. The Socialist Parties of the various countries are recommended to vote against expenditure for existing army and navy.