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. This system challenges the capitalist structure by promoting communal ownership and the idea that wealth should be distributed equally among all citizens. The rise of communism significantly influenced various political developments and civil liberties, especially during and after The First World War, impacting how nations viewed governance and societal structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism gained traction after The First World War, particularly with the Russian Revolution in 1917, which established the first communist state.
2. The ideology emphasizes that capitalism leads to class struggle and social inequality, advocating for the abolition of private property.
3. Communist movements led to significant political changes in various countries throughout Europe, challenging existing governments and ideologies.
4. The establishment of communist regimes often involved violent revolutions, as seen in Russia, where the Bolsheviks seized power through force.
5. Post-war Europe saw many nations grappling with communism, as some countries turned to socialist policies in response to economic hardships, while others staunchly opposed any communist influence.

Review Questions

• How did the ideology of communism emerge as a response to the socio-economic conditions following The First World War?
  • Communism emerged as a response to the socio-economic turmoil that followed The First World War, which left many countries in ruins. The war exacerbated class inequalities and economic hardships, leading to widespread discontent among workers and the lower classes. Communists argued that capitalism was responsible for these struggles, proposing instead a system where wealth and resources would be shared equitably among all citizens, thus appealing to those seeking radical change.
• Analyze how communist revolutions influenced political developments in Europe during the early 20th century.
  • Communist revolutions significantly influenced political developments in early 20th century Europe by prompting existing governments to either adopt repressive measures or implement reforms. The success of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia inspired similar movements across Europe, leading to uprisings and demands for social change. As a result, many countries experienced shifts toward socialism or faced heightened political tensions as they tried to suppress communist ideologies within their borders.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of communism on civil liberties in post-war European nations.
  • The long-term impacts of communism on civil liberties in post-war European nations were profound and varied. In countries where communism took hold, such as East Germany and Poland, civil liberties were often suppressed under authoritarian regimes that prioritized state control over individual rights. Conversely, in Western Europe, fear of communist expansion led to stronger protections for civil liberties as governments sought to differentiate themselves from totalitarian regimes. This complex interplay shaped the political landscape of Europe for decades and influenced the ideological battles during the Cold War.

Related terms

Marxism:

A theoretical framework developed by Karl Marx that argues for a revolutionary overthrow of capitalism to establish a classless society.

Bolshevism: A faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party that advocated for a vanguard party to lead the working class in revolution, culminating in the October Revolution of 1917.

Proletariat: The working-class people who, according to Marxist theory, are expected to rise against the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) to establish a communist society.