Jenny Marx

03/12/24 • 29 min

Today we discuss the life of Jenny Marx, wife of Karl Marx, whose influence on the socialist movement is often overshadowed. From her aristocratic upbringing to her pivotal role in shaping the ideas that would change the world, Jenny's journey is one of resilience, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the emancipation of the working class. We explore her early years, her relationship with Karl, and the challenges they faced together, including poverty, exile, and personal tragedies. Through it all, Jenny remained a steadfast supporter of Karl's work, and deeply in love with the man behind the ideas. Her legacy as a feminist and revolutionary thinker continues to inspire activism and resistance to this day.

Topics:

Early life and upbringing of Jenny von Westphalen
Relationship with Karl Marx and their marriage
Jenny's support for Karl's work and involvement in the socialist movement
Challenges faced by the Marx family, including poverty, exile, and personal tragedies
Jenny's role as a mother and activist

Resources:

Love and Capital: Karl and Jenny Marx and the Birth of a Revolution, by Mary Gabriel
The Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 and The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
Capital: Critique of Political Economy, Volume I by Karl Marx

Topics:

Early life and upbringing of Jenny von Westphalen
Relationship with Karl Marx and their marriage
Jenny's support for Karl's work and involvement in the socialist movement
Challenges faced by the Marx family, including poverty, exile, and personal tragedies
Jenny's role as a mother and activist

Resources:

Love and Capital: Karl and Jenny Marx and the Birth of a Revolution, by Mary Gabriel
The Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 and The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
Capital: Critique of Political Economy, Volume I by Karl Marx

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