Friedrich Engels

Friedrich Engels was a German economist, sociologist, philosopher, writer, journalist, businessperson, historian, and political theorist whose life spanned from November 28, 1820, to August 5, 1895. Alongside Karl Marx, he formulated the theories of Marxism that have profoundly influenced global politics.

Engels was born in Barmen, Germany, into a wealthy industrial family. His father was Friedrich Engels Sr., who owned a textile mill, and his brother Rudolf was also part of this influential business family. As a young man, Engels moved to Berlin to study philosophy at the University of Berlin from 1837 to 1841 but eventually left academia for journalism.

Engels’s career took off when he began contributing articles on social and economic issues to various newspapers and magazines. He became an integral member of the Communist League, a secret society that promoted revolutionary socialist ideas in Europe. Engels was instrumental in funding Marx’s work through his own successful business endeavors, particularly in Manchester where he worked for his father’s firm.

Engels had a long-term relationship with Mary Burns from 1844 until her death in 1863. They never married but lived together as partners. Following Mary’s passing, Engels continued the relationship with Mary’s sister Lizzie Burns until her death in 1879.

Engels is best remembered for his collaboration with Karl Marx on works such as The Communist Manifesto, published in 1848, and Das Kapital. His theoretical contributions and practical support were crucial to the development of Marxism. Engels’s own writings include studies on political economy, military strategy, and the role of religion in society.

Engels died on August 5, 1895, from cancer in London. He was buried next to Karl Marx at Highgate Cemetery in north London. His work has had a lasting impact on socialist thought and continues to be studied for its insights into capitalism and class struggle.