Left-wing politics is a broad range of ideologies and movements that share the belief that there should be a more equitable distribution of resources, power, and wealth. This can manifest in various ways, such as the promotion of social justice, environmental protection, and the support of labor rights. The left-wing is often thought of as being antithetical to the right-wing, which typically advocates for the preservation of existing social and economic hierarchies.
The origins of left-wing politics can be traced back to the French Revolution, when the Jacobins, a revolutionary political organization, advocated for the rights of the lower classes. This philosophy soon spread to other parts of Europe, with the formation of left-wing parties like the British Labour Party and the German Social Democratic Party. During the 20th century, left-wing politics became more prominent in many countries, in part due to the rise of Marxist-Leninism, the ideology of the Soviet Union.
In the United States, the left-wing is often associated with the Democratic Party, though there is a wide range of political philosophies that fall within the umbrella of the left. This includes the Green Party, which advocates for environmentalism and social justice, and the Socialist Party, which promotes the nationalization of industry and the redistribution of wealth. In Europe, the left-wing is typically associated with the Social Democratic and Labour parties, which advocate for a welfare state and greater economic equality.