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 emerged as a response to capitalism, promoting the idea that capitalism leads to class struggle and inequality. The principles of communism significantly influenced international relations and domestic policies throughout the 20th century, especially during the Cold War era and in postwar diplomacy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism gained prominence in the early 20th century after the Russian Revolution of 1917, which established the Soviet Union as the first communist state.
2. The ideology of communism was seen as a direct challenge to capitalism, prompting fears that its spread could lead to global conflict during the Cold War.
3. Key events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis were rooted in communist expansionism, which heightened tensions between superpowers.
4. The fall of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989 marked a significant turning point in global politics, leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
5. Domestic policies in various countries during periods of anti-communism often involved civil liberties restrictions, resulting from fears surrounding communist influence.

Review Questions

• How did communism challenge existing political systems during the Cold War?
  • Communism presented a direct challenge to democratic capitalism by advocating for state ownership of resources and a classless society. This ideological divide led to tensions between communist states, primarily the Soviet Union, and capitalist democracies like the United States. The fear of communist expansion influenced U.S. foreign policy decisions, resulting in actions like containment strategies aimed at preventing communism from spreading further.
• In what ways did the Red Scare impact American society and politics in the mid-20th century?
  • The Red Scare led to widespread paranoia about communist influence within the United States, prompting government actions such as loyalty oaths, blacklisting individuals in various industries, and aggressive investigations by organizations like the House Un-American Activities Committee. This climate of fear stifled dissent and curtailed civil liberties, as many Americans were accused of communist sympathies based on flimsy evidence or mere association.
• Evaluate how the principles of communism influenced global diplomacy in the post-World War II era.
  • The principles of communism shaped global diplomacy significantly after World War II, as countries aligned themselves with either capitalist or communist ideologies. The establishment of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and Asia created spheres of influence that dictated international relations during the Cold War. Events such as the division of Germany into East and West, military alliances like NATO versus the Warsaw Pact, and conflicts such as the Vietnam War were heavily influenced by this ideological split. The eventual decline of communism also led to a reconfiguration of alliances and power dynamics on a global scale.

Related terms

Marxism: A socio-political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that critiques capitalism and advocates for a revolutionary transition to a classless society through socialism.

Cold War:

A prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, characterized by ideological conflict, military buildup, and proxy wars.

Red Scare:

A period of intense fear of communism in the United States, particularly after World War I and during the early years of the Cold War, leading to widespread suspicion, persecution, and political repression.