Chapter 7

THE CLASS STRUGGLE THEORY

Opposition to the doctrine--Misrepresentations by the opponents of Socialism--Socialists not the creators of the class struggle--Antiquity of class struggles--The theory as stated in the _Communist Manifesto_--Fundamental propositions in the statement--Slavery the first system of class divisions--Class divisions in feudalism--Rise of the capitalist class and its triumph--Inherent antagonism of interests between employer and employee--Commonality of general interests and antagonism of special class interests--Adam Smith on class divisions--Individuals _versus_ classes--Analysis of the class interests of the population of the United States--Class interests as they affect thoughts, opinions, and beliefs--Varying ethical standards of economic classes--Denial of class divisions in America--Our "untitled nobility"--Class divisions real though not legally established--They tend to become fixed and hereditary--Consciousness of class divisions new in America--Transition from class to class becoming more difficult--No hatred of individuals involved in the theory--Socialism _versus_ Anarchism--The labor struggle in the United States--Not due to misunderstandings, but to antagonism of interests--The reason for trade unionism--Trade union methods--Dual exploitation of the workers--Government and the workers--Capitalistic use of police and military--Judicial injunctions--"Taff Vale" law--Political rising of the workers--Triumph of the working class will liberate all mankind and end class rule 151