"The modern laborer, on the contrary, instead of rising with the progress of industry, sinks deeper and deeper below the conditions of existence of his own class. He becomes a pauper, and pauperism develops more rapidly than population and wealth. And here it becomes evident that the bourgeoisie is unfit any longer to be the ruling class in society and to impose its conditions of existence upon society as an over-riding law. The Communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. They openly declare that their ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains."

Question

- excerpt from the Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels, 1848

Which statement best explains why Russia adopted the political ideology being referenced in the passage?
Responses
A Russian serfs wanted to abolish serfdomRussian serfs wanted to abolish serfdom
B discontentment after years of monarchist rulediscontentment after years of monarchist rule
C the need to protect private property from the bourgeoisie classthe need to protect private property from the bourgeoisie class
D political reformers wanted Russia to become more modern and industrializedpolitical reformers wanted Russia to become more modern and industrialized

Answer 1

B discontentment after years of monarchist rule

The excerpt from the Communist Manifesto expresses the idea of overthrowing existing social conditions and the ruling class, which appeals to individuals who are discontent with the current system of government. In Russia, the adoption of communism was in response to years of oppressive rule under the monarchy, leading to a desire for change and a more equitable society.