Communism

Definition

Communism is a political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society where all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. The ideology emerged as a response to capitalism, emphasizing collective ownership and the elimination of private property, with the goal of achieving equality among all individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism gained significant traction in the early 20th century, particularly after the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of the first communist state under Lenin.
2. The ideology proposed by Karl Marx suggested that history is characterized by class struggles, culminating in the rise of the proletariat and the overthrow of capitalist societies.
3. The spread of communism in Europe after World War II led to significant geopolitical tensions during the Cold War, as nations aligned either with the capitalist West or the communist East.
4. Communist regimes often employed authoritarian measures to maintain control, leading to widespread human rights abuses and economic hardships in various countries.
5. The fall of communist governments in Eastern Europe in 1989 marked a significant turning point, leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a major shift towards capitalism in many former communist states.

Review Questions

• How did communism influence cultural and social changes in Europe during the 1920s?
  • Communism significantly impacted cultural and social changes in Europe during the 1920s by promoting revolutionary ideals that challenged traditional norms. The rise of communist parties inspired artistic movements that sought to portray workers' struggles and critique capitalist society. Additionally, communist ideology encouraged social reforms aimed at improving workers' rights and expanding access to education and healthcare, fostering a sense of solidarity among the working class.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of appeasement policies toward communist movements versus fascist regimes in Europe leading up to World War II.
  • The effectiveness of appeasement policies varied significantly when dealing with communist movements compared to fascist regimes. While many Western democracies initially took a conciliatory approach towards fascist leaders like Hitler, they were less willing to engage with communist movements, often viewing them as a greater threat. This led to a complex situation where fascism was allowed to rise unchecked in certain areas, ultimately culminating in conflict, while communism faced repression. The failure of appeasement against fascism demonstrated the dangers of underestimating ideological threats.
• Analyze how Operation Barbarossa reflected broader ideological conflicts between communism and fascism during World War II.
  • Operation Barbarossa was a pivotal event that showcased the ideological conflict between communism and fascism during World War II. Nazi Germany launched this invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 with the aim of destroying communism and acquiring Lebensraum for Aryan settlers. This brutal conflict not only resulted in immense human suffering but also solidified the USSR's role as a key player against fascism. The war effort helped unify various factions within Soviet society against a common enemy, ultimately fostering an intense nationalistic sentiment intertwined with communist ideology.

Related terms

Marxism:

A socio-political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, which serves as the foundation for communist thought, emphasizing the struggle between classes.

Bolshevism: A form of radical socialism led by the Bolshevik Party in Russia, which aimed to overthrow the provisional government and establish a communist state following the 1917 October Revolution.

Proletariat: The working class in capitalist societies who, according to Marxist theory, are exploited by the bourgeoisie, or capitalist class, and are essential to the revolutionary change toward communism.