Today in Labor History—February 21

Kommunistisches Manifest, London 1848

February 21, 1848 – The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, was published in Brussels on this date. Marx then moved to London where he and his family lived in poverty while he continued to publish. There he composed his major work, Das Kapital, defining his theory of the capitalist system. He died penniless and was buried at High Gate Cemetery.  (From the Daily Bleed)

Kurt Eisner, President of the Bavarian Socialist Republic

 February 21, 1919 – Kurt Eisner, an activist in the Bavarian revolution and president of the Republic of Councils, was assassinated by extremists in Munich. The Central Council of the Republic declared a General Strike and state of siege in response. (From the Daily Bleed)

February 21, 1934 – Augusto Cesar Sandino, Nicaraguan independence fighter, was assassinated in Managua by Somoza's National Guard. While in exile in México during early 1920s, Sandino participated in strikes led by the IWW. Inspired by the IWW, he adopted the IWW's black & red colors for the revolutionary Nicaraguan flag. (From the Daily Bleed)

February 21, 1965 – Malcolm X was assassinated in the Audubon Ballroom, New York City. (From the Daily Bleed)