Final answer:
Socialist parties in Europe differed from Karl Marx's original socialism, with some advocating for gradual democratic reforms and others pursuing revolutionary change. Marx's focus on the industrial class struggle and the overthrow of capitalism evolved within parties to address immediate social issues and adapt to national conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Socialist parties differed from each other and from Karl Marx's original socialist ideology in numerous ways. Marx's concept of socialism was associated with the idea that after a revolution, workers would seize the means of production leading to a socialist and then communist state. In contrast, socialist parties across Europe adopted various approaches; some favored a gradual, democratic transition towards socialism while avoiding a violent overthrow, as in the case of Germany's social democracy. Others, like the Bolsheviks in Russia, embraced Marxism and pursued revolutionary paths to establish socialist states.
Diverse interpretations of socialism led to different policies and directions within various countries. For instance, Marx focused extensively on an industrial society and the subsequent class struggles between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. However, in practice, socialist parties had to grapple with issues including how to organize agricultural sectors and how to handle social welfare. Moreover, some socialist parties were more reformist, integrating socialist principles within the broader capitalist framework through social welfare laws, contrasting sharply with Marx's vision of a complete overthrow of capitalism.
In summary, while Marx's ideas provided a foundation for socialist thought, the practical implementation of socialism by various parties led to a wide range of interpretations and strategies, from reformist to revolutionary, tailored to the unique political landscapes of their respective countries.