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The Utopian Revolution

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As industrialization transformed the agricultural economy and society in Western Europe, the rapid increase in wage labor influenced the emergence of new political forces that, proclaimed the equality of all people, and sought dramatic social and political change. One of the most powerful results of the growing uneasiness with the condition of workers was the birth of the movement known as socialism. In the 19th century Europe, socialism focused on worker equality, equitable pay scales and, perhaps most important, humane living and working conditions. Over time, European socialism became politicized, evolving into mass party movements. Utopian socialists, most of whom were French, critiqued the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution. The name “utopian” reflects their dreams of creating a perfectly harmonious way of life. Utopian Socialism is defined as socialism based on a belief that social ownership of the means of production can be achieved by voluntary and peaceful surrender of their holdings by propertied groups . This philosophy emphasized their determination to put forward demands for political and social reform. Utopian socialism was the first form of socialism to come about as well as one of the biggest branches of socialism in the 1800s. They got their name because of their belief in an ideal and perfect world that could …show more content…
He provided decent housing for his workers and established schools for children. Owens hated the modern factory system as he believed the factory system stole the joy of working class lived. The modern factory system forced the working class to replicate boring work all day. Owens created a factory where the workers had the same wages and all shared the means of production. He ended child labor and offered insurance plans that were paid for by payroll deductions. Owens later went to the U.S. and created his Utopian town of New Harmony, which was based off of the same principles

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