According to Marx and Engel’s theory, history is shaped and moved forward by the struggle to control the modes and means of production. While the struggle for control is nothing new, the idea of a class consciousness resulted from the birth of modern capitalism, thanks to the Industrial Revolution. A group’s shared identity as part of a certain economic class could lead them to working together to seize control (the proletariat overthrowing the bourgeoisie). So, according to Marxism, in order for there to be a class struggle, there needs to be class consciousness. So how and why does Thompson apply a class analysis to 18th-century English society? Is he convincing? To place the events in Thompson’s article in greater context, consider the article by Wilentz.
Students are expected to post responses weekly to two of the posted discussion questions. Responses should be 150 – 250 words in length each. Please
Students are expected to post responses weekly to two of the posted discussion questions. Responses should be 150 – 250 words in length each. Please write full sentences and avoid answering in point form only. Please choose two of the following questions and post your responses by 11:59 pm on Friday, May 16,




