Communism

Definition

Communism is a political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society in which all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. It emphasizes the elimination of private property and the establishment of a society where goods and services are distributed based on need rather than profit. This concept is crucial for understanding the dynamics of political revolutions and the ideological conflicts that shaped global relations during the 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism aims to create a stateless, classless society where resources are shared equitably among all people.
2. The first major implementation of communism occurred in Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union.
3. The ideology became a central theme during the Cold War, with capitalist countries like the United States opposing communist states, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia.
4. Communist movements were also influential in China, where the Chinese Communist Party gained power after a prolonged civil war, leading to significant social and economic changes.
5. The fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe during the late 1980s and early 1990s signified a shift towards liberal democracy and market economies, marking a major turning point in global politics.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of communism influence the outcome of revolutions in the early 20th century?
  • The principles of communism significantly influenced revolutions like the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, where ideas of class struggle and collective ownership inspired workers and peasants to overthrow the existing capitalist system. This led to the establishment of a communist state, which sought to implement Marxist ideals. The success of such movements fueled similar uprisings worldwide as oppressed classes looked towards communism as a means to achieve social justice and equality.
• Analyze the impact of communism on international relations during the Cold War period.
  • During the Cold War, communism was at the center of global tensions, as countries like the United States viewed it as a direct threat to democracy and capitalism. This led to military alliances, proxy wars, and an arms race, primarily between NATO members and Warsaw Pact nations. The ideological divide fostered distrust and conflict around the world, as nations either aligned with or opposed communist ideologies, shaping foreign policies and influencing global politics for decades.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of communism's rise and fall in different regions around the world.
  • The rise of communism brought about significant changes in many countries, leading to radical social reforms, industrialization efforts, and often brutal suppression of dissent. However, its eventual decline in Eastern Europe during the late 20th century led to economic crises and political upheavals. The fall of communist regimes has resulted in shifts toward democratic governance and market economies in many regions, prompting discussions about human rights and economic inequality. This evolution has had lasting effects on global political dynamics and continues to influence movements for social change today.

Related terms

Marxism:

A socio-political theory developed by Karl Marx, proposing that class struggle drives historical development, ultimately leading to the overthrow of capitalism by the working class.

Proletariat:

The working-class individuals in a capitalist society who do not own the means of production and are expected to unite against the bourgeoisie to achieve communism.

Bolshevik Revolution: The 1917 revolution in Russia led by the Bolshevik Party that resulted in the establishment of a communist government, significantly influencing global politics and ideologies.