This study explores the relationship between Europe and socialism, emphasizing the distinction between pre-socialist historical elements and socialism proper. The author defines socialism not as a sudden revolutionary change of the social order, but as a critical reaction to the negative consequences of industrialization, capitalism, and technological progress. This movement emerged in opposition to the impoverishment of small producers and wage laborers caused by the influx of cheap commodities and industrial inventions. The primary goal of early socialism was not the total replacement of the social structure, but rather an effort to correct social deformations caused by blind technical development. In political practice, socialism strengthens solidarity with the poor and disadvantaged. The text highlights that socialism builds on older traditions of social care and corrective measures implemented by past legislators. Thus, socialism is presented as a critical correction of capitalist excesses, rooted in deep-seated European traditions of solidarity and historical efforts toward social justice.