Answer:
Prior to 1914, socialist parties in Europe varied in their specific policies and beliefs, but generally shared a commitment to achieving greater economic and social equality through collective ownership and control of the means of production.
Socialist parties in Europe were influenced by the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who argued that capitalism was inherently exploitative and that workers should own and control the means of production. Socialists believed that by replacing private ownership with collective ownership, they could create a more just and equal society.
Many socialist parties in Europe also advocated for other reforms, such as universal suffrage, better working conditions, and improved social welfare programs. They often worked closely with labor unions and other social movements to advance their goals.
However, socialist parties in Europe were not a monolithic group, and there were often disagreements and debates over specific policies and strategies. Some socialist parties advocated for more radical and revolutionary approaches, while others favored more gradual and reformist methods. Additionally, socialist parties often had to contend with opposition from conservative and capitalist interests, as well as from other political movements.
Therefore, an accurate characterization of a socialist party in Europe prior to 1914 would be a political party that advocated for greater economic and social equality through collective ownership and control of the means of production, often working in partnership with labor unions and other social movements to advance their goals.