Communism

Definition

Communism is a political and economic ideology that aims for a classless society where all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. This ideology became a significant factor during the 20th century, particularly in the context of global tensions, as countries aligned themselves either with or against communism, leading to significant geopolitical conflicts and struggles for influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism was established as a theoretical concept by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the mid-19th century, especially noted in their work 'The Communist Manifesto' published in 1848.
2. The Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 led to the establishment of the first communist state in Russia, serving as a model for other nations adopting communism.
3. During the Cold War, the U.S. and its allies sought to contain communism globally, which influenced foreign policies and led to various military conflicts.
4. Communism significantly impacted global relations, leading to proxy wars like those in Korea and Vietnam, where countries aligned with either the communist or capitalist ideologies.
5. The eventual collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a significant decline in global communist influence, resulting in a shift toward market economies in former communist states.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of communism influence the geopolitical landscape during the Cold War?
  • The principles of communism created a significant ideological divide during the Cold War, with countries aligning themselves either with the Soviet Union's communist model or with the capitalist framework championed by the United States. This division influenced international relations and led to numerous conflicts as both superpowers sought to expand their influence globally. The competition extended beyond military might to include economic aid, propaganda efforts, and alliances with other nations, all aiming to either promote or contain communism.
• In what ways did the Korean War exemplify the broader conflict between communist and capitalist ideologies?
  • The Korean War served as a direct confrontation between communist North Korea, backed by China and the Soviet Union, and capitalist South Korea, supported by the United States and its allies. This conflict highlighted how communism was perceived as a threat to democratic nations and prompted military intervention to prevent the spread of communism in Asia. The war's outcome also solidified divisions on the Korean Peninsula, which remain relevant today.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of communism on global politics following the collapse of major communist regimes in the late 20th century.
  • The collapse of major communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union led to significant shifts in global politics. It resulted in a wave of democratization across many former communist states and a move towards market-oriented economies. The decline of communism also changed international alliances, reduced tensions between former adversaries, and prompted discussions about economic systems worldwide. This transition paved the way for increased globalization and interconnectedness among nations, reshaping how political ideologies influence governance today.

Related terms

Marxism: A social, political, and economic theory originated by Karl Marx, advocating for a revolutionary approach to overthrow capitalist systems and establish a communist society.

Cold War:

A prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, marked by competition for global influence and ideological dominance, primarily capitalism versus communism.

Red Scare:

The fear of communism in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, leading to widespread paranoia, government investigations, and actions against perceived communist sympathizers.