Animal Farm: George Orwell, Communism, and the Russian Revolution
Karl Marx
The roots of Animal Farm began with the teachings of Karl Marx, a 19th century philosopher who believed that the class system was unfair and oppressive. In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels co-wrote The Communist Manifesto. In this work, Marx argued that modern human society has always been divided into “haves” and “have-nots.” The have-nots were the proletariat, or working class. These people created all of the wealth that went to the “haves,” or the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie owned the factories and other industries. In return for their work, the working class received minimal wages and lived in poverty.
He thought that workers would unite and start a working-class revolution to overthrow the factory owners and take control of the factories and other industries. Under communism, there would be a “classless” society in which everyone was equal. All land and industry would be owned by the people through their government, and private property would no longer exist. In the future, the state would be in charge of equally redistributing wealth among the people.
The people, events, and politics of the Russian Revolution provided George Orwell with the inspiration for Animal Farm. Explore a timeline of the Russian Revolution in this interactivity. Make sure to take note of the important people and events. Click the player button to begin.
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George Orwell, Author of Animal Farm
George Orwell is the pen name of Eric Arthur Blair. He was a British author and journalist in the first half of the 20th century. He was also a socialist and a follower of the ideas of Karl Marx. He was disillusioned, however, after seeing what happened in the Russian Revolution. He believed that all people who obtain power are quickly corrupted by it.
To learn more about George Orwell, view the video Famous Authors: George Orwell - Part 2 from eMediaVASM. This video will provide you with some insight on George Orwell's life and his political views.
Animal Farm was written in 1945, which was well into Stalin's reign. British companies refused to publish it until after World War II was over. Because of the alliance between England and the Soviet Union during the war, they did not want to offend the Soviet Union. Orwell used satire to point out how corrupt people can destroy something good.
Animal Farm: George Orwell, Socialism, and the Russian Revolution Review
Review your knowledge of the foundations of Animal Farm in this non-graded activity. Read the directions associated with each question and select the correct answer or answers. Then, click SUBMIT to check your responses. Click the player button to get started.