Communism

Definition

Communism is a political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. This concept emerged in the 19th century, largely articulated by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and gained prominence in the early 20th century as a revolutionary movement. In the context of the early Cold War years, communism became a major ideological rival to capitalism, significantly shaping international relations and domestic policies across the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism became widely known following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, which led to the establishment of a communist government in Russia.
2. The ideological divide between communism and capitalism was a primary factor in escalating tensions during the Cold War, with both sides seeking to expand their influence globally.
3. The spread of communism after World War II led to significant conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War, where countries aligned themselves with either communist or capitalist ideologies.
4. In response to perceived threats from communism, the United States adopted containment strategies, including the Marshall Plan, aimed at preventing the spread of communism in Europe.
5. The fear of communism significantly influenced American domestic policy, leading to events like McCarthyism, where individuals were accused of communist sympathies and faced severe social and political consequences.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of communism as articulated by Marx and Engels contribute to the tensions between the Soviet Union and Western capitalist nations during the early Cold War?
  • The principles of communism emphasized the idea of class struggle and the eventual overthrow of capitalist systems. This directly challenged the foundational economic structures of Western nations, leading to heightened suspicions and fears about communist expansion. As the Soviet Union positioned itself as a leader of global communism, Western nations perceived this as a threat to democracy and capitalism, contributing to a climate of distrust and conflict that characterized early Cold War relations.
• Evaluate how communism influenced U.S. foreign policy decisions during the Cold War period.
  • Communism had a profound impact on U.S. foreign policy, which was largely shaped by a desire to contain its spread. The implementation of containment strategies included military alliances like NATO and economic initiatives such as the Marshall Plan, which aimed to strengthen European economies against potential communist influences. This focus on combating communism also led to military interventions in various countries perceived as being at risk of falling under communist control, such as Korea and Vietnam.
• Assess the long-term impacts of communism on global politics post-World War II and how these impacts are still felt today.
  • The long-term impacts of communism on global politics post-World War II include a restructuring of international relations characterized by ideological divides that continue to shape modern geopolitics. The rise of communist regimes around the world contributed to ongoing conflicts, revolutions, and social movements that resonate today. Furthermore, remnants of communist ideology still influence political discourse in various nations, leading to debates about capitalism's efficacy versus socialist alternatives. The legacy of Cold War dynamics continues to manifest in current tensions between major powers like Russia and the United States.

Related terms

Marxism:

An ideological framework developed by Karl Marx, which argues that history is defined by class struggles and advocates for the working class to overthrow capitalist systems.

Bolshevism: A faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party led by Vladimir Lenin, which seized power in Russia during the October Revolution of 1917, establishing the first communist state.

Cold War:

A prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, characterized by ideological conflict, military rivalry, and proxy wars without direct confrontation.