Karl Marx Birth Chart

Karl Marx (May 5, 1818 – March 14, 1883) was a German philosopher, economist, historian, and revolutionary socialist whose ideas laid the foundation for modern communism.

Born in Trier, Prussia, to a middle-class Jewish family converted to Christianity, he co-authored The Communist Manifesto (1848) with Friedrich Engels and wrote Das Kapital. His critique of capitalism and advocacy for class struggle shaped global political movements, despite personal struggles with poverty and exile.

Yearwise Biography

• 1818: Born on May 5 in Trier, Kingdom of Prussia, to Heinrich Marx (lawyer) and Henriette Pressburg, the third of nine children in a Jewish family converted to Lutheranism.
  
  
• 1830: At 12, enrolled at Trier High School, excelling in humanities and languages.
  
  
• 1835: Entered the University of Bonn to study law, joined drinking clubs, and faced a duel; transferred to University of Berlin in 1836.
  
  
• 1836: Engaged to Jenny von Westphalen, daughter of a Prussian aristocrat, beginning a lifelong partnership.
  
  
• 1841: Earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Jena, focusing on post-Hegelian thought.
  
  
• 1842: Became editor of the Rheinische Zeitung in Cologne, advocating radical ideas; paper shut down in 1843.
  
  
• 1843: Married Jenny on June 19; moved to Paris, met Friedrich Engels, began lifelong collaboration.
  
  
• 1844: Published Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, critiquing capitalism; daughter Jenny Caroline born.
  
  
• 1845: Expelled from France, moved to Brussels; wrote Theses on Feuerbach.
  
  
• 1848: Co-authored The Communist Manifesto with Engels, published February 21; revolutions erupted across Europe.
  
  
• 1849: Deported from Belgium, settled in London with family; faced poverty, son Edgar born (died 1855).
  
  
• 1851: Began research at the British Museum, working on Das Kapital; joined the International Workingmen’s Association (First International).
  
  
• 1864: Helped found the First International, advocating workers’ rights.
  
  
• 1867: Published Volume I of Das Kapital on September 14, analyzing capitalist exploitation.
  
  
• 1871: Supported the Paris Commune, though from afar; wrote The Civil War in France.
  
  
• 1881: Wife Jenny died on December 2; daughter Eleanor cared for him.
  
  
• 1883: Died on March 14 in London at age 64 from pleurisy and bronchitis; buried at Highgate Cemetery.

Family

• Parents: Heinrich Marx and Henriette Pressburg.
• Wife: Jenny von Westphalen.
• Children: Jenny Caroline, Jenny Laura, Edgar (died young), Henry Edward (died in infancy), Jenny Julia Eleanor.

Health

• Chronic liver issues, boils, and respiratory problems; exacerbated by poverty and work.

Wealth

• Lived in poverty, supported by Engels; modest income from journalism.

Honors

• No formal titles; revered posthumously as a revolutionary icon.