Today in History - May 5th. 1818 - Birth of Karl Marx who wrote inter alia 'Das Kapital'

Karl Heinrich Marx was born on May 5th. 1818. He became a philosopher,
economist, sociologist, historian, journalist and revolutionary socialist.

Marx has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history.

Statue of Karl Marx Berlin Germany

Life:

Karl Marx was a son of a wealthy middle-class family who lived in 

Trier (Germany).

Birth House of Karl Marx in Trier

He studied at the University of Bonn and the University of Berlin. 

After his studies Marx wrote for a radical newspaper in Cologne. 

In 1843, Karl Marx married Jenny von Westphalen, 

(daughter of Ludwig von Westphalen, who was a prominent member of the

Prussian aristocracy). They had 7 children, only three survived childhood.

Jenny von Westphalen - Source picture: Wikipedia

In 1843 Marx moved to Paris, where he started writing for other radical

newspapers. There he met Friedrich Engels. The two became very good

friends and collaborators. In 1845 the French government shut down the

radical newspapers (after they recieved a request from the Prussian King)

Friedrich Engels - Source picture: Wikipedia

Marx moved from Paris to Brussels (Belgium) where he hoped to 

continue his study of capitalism and political economy.  

From 1845 till 1847 the philosopher lived in Brussels. There he met other

exiled socialists from across Europe like Moses Hess and Karl Heinzen.

In May 1849, Marx moved to London. He would remain based in the city

for the rest of his life.

Later Marx began writing for six different newspapers around the world:

in England, United States, Prussia, Austria and South Africa.

Most of his work was for the New York Tribune. During the last decade of

his life, Marx's health declined. 

He died on March 14th. 1883 in London. His tombstone bears the 

carved message: "Workers Of All Lands Unite". This was the final line

of the Communist Manifesto (one of his most popular books).

Legacy:

Marx's ideas have had a large impact on world politics and intellectual thought.

His work gave birth to modern sociology, economy, philosophy, literature, arts

and academic disciplines.

Two of his most popular works were: the 'Communist Manifesto' and 

'Das Kapital'.