The revolutions of 1848 which broke out across the world are among
the landmark events of the nineteenth century. The experiences of
this tumultuous period helped to crystallise and sharpen the ideas of
Marx and Engels.
Written in the midst
of events, in a profound and detailed application of historical
materialism, Marx reveals that the political and social changes
taking place in revolutionary and counter-revolutionary France have
their root in the economic changes affecting European capitalism.
Included is Engels'
uncensored introduction to the 1895 edition. Here, Engels provides
historical context and shows how this period relates to subsequent
events in France - including the Paris Commune - as well as
explaining the development of Marx and Engels' own conception of
scientific socialism.