The primary focus of the socialist movement in Europe was to address the inequalities and injustices exacerbated by industrial capitalism. Socialists advocated for workers' rights, improved living conditions, and economic reforms to ensure that wealth and resources were distributed more equitably across society. The movement sought to challenge the capitalist system, emphasizing collective ownership of the means of production, labor rights, and social welfare initiatives. The rise of socialism was driven by the harsh realities faced by workers in urban areas, leading many to believe that political and economic influences needed to shift toward socialist principles to promote a more just society.