Friedrich Engels: 'Look at the Paris Commune. That was the Dictatorship of the Proletariat.'

Look at the Paris Commune. That was the Dictatorship of the Proletariat.

In his quote, Friedrich Engels refers to the Paris Commune as an example of the "Dictatorship of the Proletariat." By stating this, Engels summarizes the significance of the Paris Commune and its role in history. To better understand the quote and its implications, let us delve deeper into the defining aspects of the Paris Commune and explore an unexpected philosophical concept that adds a unique perspective to the discussion.The Paris Commune was an uprising that took place in Paris from March to May 1871. It emerged as a response to the oppressive socio-political conditions prevailing during that time, with the working-class citizens rising against the ruling elite. Engels describes this historical event as the embodiment of the "Dictatorship of the Proletariat." Essentially, this term can be understood as the exercise of political power by the working class over the bourgeoisie.To fully appreciate the quote's significance, we must consider its historical context. During the Paris Commune, the working-class population of Paris established a revolutionary government, aiming to create a society where power was held by the workers themselves. This governmental structure marked a significant departure from the prevalent power dynamics, as for the first time, the working class had seized control of the state apparatus. Engels, a prominent philosopher and collaborator of Karl Marx, viewed this event as an exemplary manifestation of the proletariat's struggle to establish their own rule, thus defining it as the "Dictatorship of the Proletariat."Now, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept into our analysis: Hegelian dialectics. Hegelian dialectics propose a framework for understanding historical development through the clash and synthesis of opposing ideas. By examining the Paris Commune through a Hegelian lens, we can explore the interplay of conflicting forces and how they influenced the outcome.In Hegelian terms, the Paris Commune can be seen as the thesis, representing the struggle of the working class for political emancipation. Opposing this thesis, we have the antithesis, represented by the ruling bourgeois class and its attempts to maintain its grip on power. The clash between these opposing forces resulted in a synthesis that brought forth the emergence of a revolutionary government led by the proletarian masses.Engels' description of the Paris Commune as the "Dictatorship of the Proletariat" aligns with this Hegelian interpretation. The working class, having endured exploitation and oppression under the bourgeoisie, established their own governance, a dictatorial power solely based on their class interests. This dictatorial nature is not to be confused with autocracy or tyranny but rather as a representation of the proletariat's hold on political power to reshape society according to their ideals.However, it is important to note that Engels' choice of terminology has often sparked controversy and misinterpretation. The word "dictatorship" is laden with negative connotations, evoking images of tyranny and absolute rule. Yet, Engels was using the term in a specific context, one that highlights the proletariat's decisive authority in shaping the political landscape.In conclusion, Friedrich Engels' quote about the Paris Commune being the "Dictatorship of the Proletariat" encapsulates the significance of this historical event in asserting the working class's quest for political power. By introducing the unexpected philosophical concept of Hegelian dialectics, we gain a deeper understanding of the clash between opposing forces, the synthesis that occurred, and how it influenced the emergence of a proletarian-led revolutionary government. Through this analysis, it becomes clear that Engels' description of the Paris Commune as a dictatorship is not intended to be pejorative, but rather a recognition of the working class's determined pursuit of their own governance and emancipation from oppressive social structures.