Which group was most opposed to socialism?

A. Europeans

B. labor activists

C. the wealthy

D. philosophers

The correct answer is: "the wealthy"

Socialism is based on the ideas of Karl Marx. Marx claimed for a social revolt, in which the majority of people in society, that he denominated the proletariats (factory workers, farmers, etc), should rise against the bourgeousie, the social class that was constituted by the minority of rich people, who owned the means of production and therefore where the employers that exploited the proletariats. Under this social system, those who were already rich would continue increasing their fortunes at the expense of the working class, that suffered awful working and living conditions.

The rich classes in society, constituted by the members of the bourgeoisie, were the ones who feared socialism as it meant a threat to the status quo and hence to their privileged position in society.