Karl Marx

Marx was a Jewish-German philosopher that had a great influence on the world through his writing. His thoughts and ideas influenced events like the Russian Revolution, the formation of unions, and the introduction of social security. In addition, many concepts and terms common today, such as alienation, exploitation, the proletariat, capital, and surplus value, were popularized through his writing.

Born in 1818 in Trevirorum, Germany, Marx grew up in a well-to-do family. He studied law at Bonn University, but turned toward philosophy at the University of Berlin where he went to finish his studies. Although he tried teaching, he ended up taking a job with the "Rhenish Gazette" in 1842. Marx rose to editor-in-chief quickly, but the government shut down the paper. With his new bride, Jenny, Marx moved to Paris and took a job on the magazine "Franco-German Annals." By 1845, the French government expelled Marx because of his...