ABSTRACT
Every theory of social action is ultimately a philosophy of history. It attempts to read in the experience of mankind the lessons which would justify its own special urgency. Marx is no exception to general rule. While his own interpretation is not, in its large outlines, original, the peculiar emphasis and direction he gave to it are all his own. Economic necessity is foundation upon which all other parts of the social structure must be built. In The Communist Manifesto Marx attempted to summarise his view of historic development in terms of this view. This view of History, it should be emphasised, is not a communist discovery. Historical materialism is as old as Aristotle and thinkers like Harrington and Madison have made it the corner-stone of their systems. It is worthwhile to insist upon what the materialist interpretation of history is not, before discussing its general validity. It has no necessary connection with the metaphysical theory of materialism.
