Understanding Historical Materialism

What is the core idea of historical materialism regarding the determination of human life?

• Human life is determined by individual consciousness.

• Human life is determined by material and social conditions.

• Human life is determined by religious beliefs.

• Human life is determined by political ideologies.

According to historical materialism, what drives social development?

• Political reforms

• Antagonistic struggle between social classes

• Technological advancements

• Cultural evolution

How did the rise of industry during the British Industrial Revolution affect social relations?

• It led to the creation of new feudal systems.

• It dislocated and destroyed feudal social relations.

• It strengthened feudal social relations.

• It had no impact on social relations.

What is the final mode of production in Marx's sequence that aims to abolish private property?

• Socialism and Communism

• Capitalism

• Feudalism

• Asiatic mode

In a capitalist society, how is surplus value generated?

• Through the exploitation of a servile class

• By the direct ownership of land

• By the wage laborer producing more than the cost of their wages

• Through the barter system