What 18th-century theory emerged from the working-class political movement?

The correct answer is Socialism, which emerged as a political and economic theory advocating for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production. In the 18th century, the working-class political movement began articulating concerns about the inequalities and injustices present within capitalist societies. These movements highlighted the struggles of workers and sought to address issues such as poverty, exploitation, and lack of rights.

Socialism drew inspiration from Enlightenment ideas and called for a collective approach to economic resources, contrasting sharply with the individualistic and competitive nature of capitalism. As the Industrial Revolution progressed, the harsh conditions faced by workers led to increased organization and mobilization, contributing to the rise of socialist thought, which proposed that the well-being of the workforce could be improved through collective action and policies that favored equitable distribution of wealth.

Capitalism, on the other hand, emphasizes private ownership and market competition, while liberalism focuses more on individual freedoms and rights rather than collective ownership. Communism, while related, emerged later as a more radical interpretation of socialist principles, advocating for revolutionary overthrow of capitalist systems rather than reform. Thus, Socialism is recognized as the theory that directly grew from the aspirations and conditions of the working class in the 18th century.