Communism

Definition

Communism is a political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society in which all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. This ideology was central to the global tensions during the 20th century, particularly as it opposed capitalist systems and influenced various foreign policies and conflicts across the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism emerged as a political movement in the mid-19th century, gaining significant traction after the Russian Revolution of 1917, which established the first communist state.
2. The fear of communism led to various U.S. policies aimed at containing its spread, most notably through strategies like the Truman Doctrine and NSC-68.
3. The Korean War was a direct result of tensions between communist North Korea and capitalist South Korea, with both superpowers supporting their respective sides.
4. The Space Race was not just about technological competition; it also represented ideological superiority between communism and capitalism during the Cold War.
5. The Cuban Missile Crisis highlighted how close the world came to nuclear conflict over communism, showcasing U.S. fears of Soviet expansion in the Western Hemisphere.

Review Questions

• How did communism influence U.S. foreign policy in the immediate post-World War II era?
  • In the immediate aftermath of World War II, communism significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy through strategies aimed at containment. The Truman Doctrine articulated a commitment to support nations resisting communist influences, while the Marshall Plan provided economic aid to help rebuild European economies, thereby preventing them from turning towards communism. This approach was driven by the belief that economic instability could lead to the rise of communist regimes.
• Discuss how communism played a role in shaping the events of the Korean War.
  • Communism was at the center of the Korean War as North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union and China, sought to unify Korea under a communist government. In response, South Korea received support from the United States and other Western allies who aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Asia. The war became a proxy battle between these two ideologies, with intense fighting reflecting larger Cold War tensions.
• Evaluate how communism impacted global dynamics during the Cold War, especially in terms of military technology competition such as the Space Race.
  • During the Cold War, communism had a profound impact on global dynamics as countries aligned themselves with either capitalist or communist ideologies. The Space Race exemplified this rivalry; achievements in space exploration were seen as indicators of technological and ideological superiority. The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957 not only showcased their advancements but also intensified fears in the U.S. about communist capabilities, leading to increased military spending and educational reforms in science and technology to maintain competitive advantage.

Related terms

Marxism: A socio-political theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that critiques capitalism and advocates for revolutionary socialism, which forms the basis for many communist movements.

Cold War:

The period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, characterized by ideological conflict, military build-up, and proxy wars.

Socialism: A political and economic system where the means of production are owned or regulated by the community as a whole, often seen as a precursor to communism.