Part 2: What Is Scientific Socialism?
Socialism is not a dream or a slogan. Marxism-Leninism gives us a scientific way to study society and transform it. These readings explain the method: learn from history, analyze class forces, and build strategy rooted in the real movement of people.
Work through this material with comrades. Connect every concept back to campaigns across Missouri and Kansas so theory guides practice and practice sharpens theory.
Framework for Study
- Historical materialism: how class struggle drives change.
- The role of workers and allies in building a socialist transition.
- Why communists link day-to-day fights with a long-term program.
Socialism: Utopian and Scientific (Friedrich Engels)
Engels contrasts the utopian dreamers with a scientific approach to revolution. Use it to explain why we study economics, history, and class instead of relying on good intentions.
- Track the shift from ideal models to material analysis of capitalism.
- Discuss how Engels's method helps us plan campaigns today.
Principles of Communism (Friedrich Engels)
This short Q&A breaks down core concepts in plain language: class, private property, revolution, and communist goals. It is perfect for new members and study groups alike.
- Review questions 1-9 to clarify how capitalism emerged.
- Use the programmatic sections to spark discussion on party strategy.
Critique of the Gotha Program (Karl Marx)
Marx analyzes a reformist program and lays out the difference between capitalist reform and socialist transformation. The text deepens our understanding of transition, distribution, and the dictatorship of the proletariat.
- Examine Marx's two phases of communist society.
- Compare his critique to contemporary debates inside the labor movement.
Bill of Rights Socialism (CPUSA Program)
CPUSA translates socialist principles into a program rooted in U.S. conditions. This pamphlet shows how we fight for democracy, equality, and workers' power on the road to socialism.
- Identify the immediate demands that build unity for socialism.
- Discuss how Bill of Rights Socialism connects to your club's work.
Keep building your toolkit. Move to Part 3 or contact CPUSA to ask about local political education.