What is the bourgeoisie? This issue is described in detail in many works of various scientists, including K. Marx. By the bourgeoisie is meant the class of proprietors that emerged from the medieval estate of citizens who had freedom. The bourgeois class began to appear as a result of the appropriation by people of tools of labor and land during the period of capital accumulation.
In the opinion of K. Marx, the bourgeoisie are the owners of the means of production, which dominate society, profiting from the use of wage labor and the added value of manufactured products. According to the scientist, the bourgeoisie leads a large part of society to poverty, depriving them of the means of production. Thus, she follows the path of her death.
The formation of the bourgeoisie
In the era of feudalism, the question of what the bourgeoisie was, one could answer that these are all people who are residents of cities. With their growth and development, commodity production began to enlarge , various crafts stood out. This led to the stratification of society and the appearance of the first representatives of the bourgeoisie. These included wealthy artisans, merchants, and moneylenders.
The faster production, trade, shipping developed, the greater wealth concentrated in the hands of the bourgeoisie.
In the era of the initial formation of capital, a small part of society began to turn into a full-fledged class. Hired workers appeared who did not have property and a large amount of money, all the money supply and tools remained in the hands of representatives of this estate.
The struggle of the bourgeoisie and feudalism
For feudal lords, the question of what the bourgeoisie was became a determining one. The development of trade and production was significantly hindered by the territorial and economic fragmentation of countries and constant civil strife. This state of affairs did not suit the representatives of the bourgeoisie; therefore, in their own interests, they led the revolution and contributed to the expulsion of feudal power.
Under the strict guidance of representatives of one of the richest estates, the masses liquidated feudal relations. Such a development of events was dictated by the need to develop productive forces at that time . Meanwhile, the banner of bourgeois revolutions was the idea of enlightenment. Despite the original goal of overthrowing feudalism - to increase its influence and wealth - the revolution was an engine of progress in the scientific and technical fields.
As a result of the unification of labor forces, there has been a sharp increase in labor productivity indicators.
About what the bourgeoisie is, the inhabitants of the villages of that era could answer that this is the force that subjugated the village to the city.
The formation of the world economic market, the creation and development of national markets is also the merit of this class.
The development of the bourgeoisie of different countries
The development of the bourgeoisie in different countries took place at different times from each other. In England, its dominance could be spoken of already from the 17th century, and in Germany, the influence of the bourgeoisie on the life of society began to appear only from the 19th century. The Russian bourgeoisie also formed somewhat later than in Europe. This is due to the long domination of serfdom in our country.