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Julius GedOne of the founders of the French Workers' Party, figure of the International, propagandist of Marxism.
Country:
 France |
Content:
- Biography of Jules Guesde
- Early Activism
- Marxist Advocacy
- Critical Stance
- Uncompromising Marxist
- War and Late Years
Biography of Jules Guesde
Jules Guesde was a prominent figure in the French workers' movement and a propagandist of Marxism. He was one of the founders of the French Workers' Party and played a key role in the International Workingmen's Association.
Early Activism
Born on November 11, 1845, Guesde was involved in revolutionary activities from an early age. During the Paris Commune in 1871, he attempted to organize support for the proletariat in Montpellier, France. However, after the defeat of the Commune, Guesde fled to Italy and later returned to France after an amnesty was declared.
Marxist Advocacy
In the late 1870s, Guesde became a Marxist and founded the Marxist newspaper "Equality." Alongside Paul Lafargue, Guesde co-founded the French Workers' Party, whose program was written by Karl Marx. For several decades, Guesde relentlessly fought against reformism and anarchism, positioning himself as a revolutionary Marxist.
Critical Stance
Due to disagreements with Jaurèsism and Ministerialism within the French Workers' Party, Guesde left the party in 1900 and founded the "Socialist Party of France." However, in 1904, the Second International Congress in Amsterdam forced Guesde to reunite with Jaurès.
Uncompromising Marxist
Among the old leaders of the Second International, Guesde was the most uncompromising defender of revolutionary Marxism, sometimes even criticizing Eduard Bernstein. Despite his critiques of Jaurèsism and anarcho-syndicalism, Guesde gradually began to lean towards opportunism.
War and Late Years
During World War I, Guesde, once a revolutionary, turned into a social patriot. He even served as a minister without portfolio in the Viviani government. In his final years, Guesde was unable to actively participate in the movement due to his declining health. He passed away in 1923.
