Marx as a Migrant – A digital narrative

Karl Marx lived a long life as a migrant. Fleeing from the Prussian state, censorship and possible arrest, important stops on his journey were Paris, Brussels and London. These cities shaped his political activities, his engagement with political fellow-travellers, as well as his intellectual development and thus his entire work.

At the click of a mouse, you can follow Marx as a migrant from city to city. You can not only immerse yourself in his time, but also discover that even today, traces of his life and work continue to be seen in Paris, Brussels and London.

Each station takes about 45 minutes.

Contact: info@marx200.org

Marx as a Migrant

  • London
  • The Last Years

A Landmark: Marx's Tomb at the Highgate Cemetery

Four of Marx’s grandchildren die within his lifetime. His wife dies in 1881, and in January 1883 his daughter Jenny does as well. Marx falls seriously ill numerous times, suffering from pleuropneumonia, pneumonia and laryngitis, which makes writing increasingly difficult for him. On 14 March 1883, when Engels visits him as usual, he finds Marx dead in his armchair. Marx is buried in Highgate Cemetery next to his wife three days later – only a handful of mourners are present.

In September 2017, the woman at the gate marks a cross on the map of the cemetery for “Charlie”, even before the visitor has finished asking the question. Karl Marx’s grave – a man-sized statue since the 1950s, something Marx himself most certainly would have abhorred – is a sight to be seen. There are fresh flowers on the grave.

Friedrich Engels at the funeral of his friend: