2024-12-13
Manchester, 30 November. In order to study and explore the great ideas of Marx and Engels and the significant impact of the British Industrial Revolution on human society, an international conference - ‘Marx and Engels in Manchester’, was co-organized by Marx and Engels Humanity Exchanges International Association (MEIA), University of Salford (UK), and Canterbury Christ Church University (UK) at the campus of University of Salford from 30 November to 1 December 2024, in Manchester, UK. More than 150 researchers and scholars from over 40 universities UK, China, Germany, Denmark, Ireland and other 10 countries, as well as local representatives, attended the conference.
More than 200 years ago, Manchester in the UK became the centre of the world's industrial revolution. Cotton from overseas was constantly transported here, then produced and processed in large and small textile factories, and then the finished cotton products were sold to the world by train and ship. Manchester was therefore known as the ‘Cotton Capital’ of the world. Manchester also has an irreplaceable place in the history of the development of Marxism. 1842, Engels followed his father's arrangement to come to Manchester. Here he was able to witness the rapid development of capitalism and the tragic situation of British workers hidden behind the prosperity of the cotton capital. Eventually, Engels published his famous book The Condition of the Working Class in England based on his personal investigations, which was a profound exposé and critique of the capitalist system. Marx spoke highly of Engels' investigations in Manchester and in the summer of 1845, Marx came to Manchester with Engels. They read the rich collection of books in the Cheatham Library and enjoyed their time there. They also went to the Red Dragon bar on the Crescent, where they drank and had discussions. The ‘Little Ireland’, Manchester Royal Infirmary and the Chapel Street, all of which they visited then are still in existence today. Therefore, the choice of Manchester for this conference seminar is very thoughtful and meaningful.
(Group photo of conference attendants)
Councillor Jack Yoder, Deputy Mayor of Salford, delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of Salford City. He pointed out that Manchester is a typical city of the industrial revolution in Britain, and the studies and researches by Marx and Engels here have profoundly influenced the development of their ideas, and it is believed that their spiritual wealth will continue to provide reference for the development of the world.
Professor David Bates, Director of the School of Science, Engineering and Social Science Research and Enterprise, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, and also Chair of the British Marxism Research Group, said that as a scholar who has been engaged in the study of Marx and Engels for many years, he is very pleased to see that this conference has attracted so Marxist researchers and scholars from all over the world to gather in Manchester for in-depth exchanges.
Professor Alan Walker, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies, University of Salford, welcomed all the attendants to the conference. He described Manchester's rich industrial revolution history and so many historical heritages, especially the Cheatham Library and the Workers’ Movement Library, the latter has a rich and unique collection of working class movement related books and materials, in which there are also precious books by Marx.
Mr Kevin Liu, President of MEIA, pointed out in his speech that MEIA aims to promote the Marx and Engels humanity exchanges and study, in order to help the exchange and mutual understanding of international civilizations. He said actually this conference is the 2nd conference MEIA has held, and the 1st one was in Eastbourne in June 2023.
Mr Yao Yichun, Chairman of China Pocy Group and Chairman of the International Industry-Education Integration Committee of the World Federation of UNESCO Associations, said that, as the largest vocational educational group in China, Pocy Group attaches great importance to international humanities and educational exchanges. He said Pocy attended the 1st conference in Eastbourne last year, this time Pocy sent over even a larger delegation to the conference.
The conference lasted for two days, and the attending researchers and scholars discussed topics like ‘Marx's Thought on Political Economy’, ‘Engels and The Condition of the Working Class in England’, ‘The Dilemma of Western Modernisation and the Exploration of China's Road to Modernization etc. In the meantime, there were also two separate workshops for the attendants to have detailed discussions and exchanges. During the conference the attendants also visited the Marx reading conner in the Chetham Library, the Workers' Movement Library, the Red Dragon Pub, and the Engel’s statue at Holmes Square.
