Rheinische Zeitung

socialist newspaper

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July 13, 2026

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The Rheinische Zeitung was a liberal democratic newspaper founded in Cologne, Germany, in 1842. Karl Marx became its editor in October 1842, significantly increasing its circulation and influence. The newspaper advocated for constitutional democracy and freedom of the press. However, due to its outspoken nature and criticism of the Prussian government, it was eventually suppressed by authorities. Marx's involvement with the Rheinische Zeitung marked a period where he began to move away from purely philosophical concerns towards more direct social and political engagement, though it was not a socialist newspaper.12

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Moses Hess
…ideas in the radical newspaper Rheinische Zeitung (“Rhinelander Gazette”), for which he served as Paris correspondent from 1842 to 1843. After Karl Marx joined the newspaper, Hess influenced Marx’s thinking appreciably, and they collaborated on several works. Later, however, Marx rejected Hess’s type of utopian socialism, specifically mocking Hess in…
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…ideas in the radical newspaper Rheinische Zeitung (“Rhinelander Gazette”), for which he served as Paris correspondent from 1842 to 1843. After Karl Marx joined the newspaper, Hess influenced Marx’s thinking appreciably, and they collaborated on several works. Later, however, Marx rejected Hess’s type of utopian socialism, specifically mocking Hess in…
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Karl Marx
Early years
…newly founded in Cologne, the Rheinische Zeitung. It was the liberal democratic organ of a group of young merchants, bankers, and industrialists; Cologne was the centre of the most industrially advanced section of Prussia. To this stage of Marx’s life belongs an essay on the freedom of the press. Since…
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…newly founded in Cologne, the Rheinische Zeitung. It was the liberal democratic organ of a group of young merchants, bankers, and industrialists; Cologne was the centre of the most industrially advanced section of Prussia. To this stage of Marx’s life belongs an essay on the freedom of the press. Since…
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