Communist Party

Definition

A communist party is a political party that advocates for the establishment of a communist society, where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. These parties aim to create a classless society through the elimination of capitalism, often through revolutionary means. The communist party played a pivotal role in significant historical movements, influencing the social and political landscapes of countries like Russia and China during their respective revolutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, transformed into the Communist Party after successfully seizing power during the Russian Revolution in 1917.
2. In China, the Communist Party was founded in 1921 and became the ruling party after the Chinese Civil War ended in 1949 with Mao Zedong's victory.
3. Communist parties often rely on revolutionary ideology, advocating for the overthrow of existing governments through mass mobilization and sometimes violence.
4. The ideological foundation of communist parties is largely based on Karl Marx's theories about class struggle and the eventual rise of the proletariat to power.
5. Communist parties worldwide have faced various degrees of repression, leading to different strategies, from guerrilla warfare to participation in electoral politics.

Review Questions

• How did the Bolshevik Party's ideologies influence the establishment of the Communist Party in Russia?
  • The Bolshevik Party was instrumental in shaping the Communist Party in Russia by advocating for radical changes through a socialist revolution. They emphasized the need for a vanguard party to lead the proletariat in overthrowing the bourgeoisie, which directly influenced their strategies during the October Revolution. The success of this revolution allowed them to formalize their ideologies into what became known as the Communist Party, laying down policies that would guide Soviet governance.
• In what ways did Mao Zedong's leadership shape the direction and policies of the Chinese Communist Party?
  • Mao Zedong's leadership significantly shaped the Chinese Communist Party by promoting Maoism, which focused on agrarian reform and mobilizing peasants as key revolutionary actors. His emphasis on continuous revolution and mass campaigns led to drastic policies such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. These initiatives aimed at transforming China's economy and society, though they often resulted in widespread hardship and criticism both domestically and internationally.
• Evaluate how communist parties in Russia and China adapted their strategies over time to maintain power amid global political changes.
  • Communist parties in both Russia and China adapted their strategies significantly to maintain power amid evolving global political landscapes. In Russia, after experiencing economic hardships and public discontent, leaders like Stalin shifted toward a more authoritarian regime while emphasizing industrialization and collectivization. Meanwhile, China under Deng Xiaoping saw a departure from strict communist doctrines toward market reforms while retaining political control. This adaptability allowed both parties to survive against pressures from capitalism and internal dissent, showcasing how they can redefine their approaches while maintaining core communist principles.

Related terms

Bolsheviks:

A faction of the Russian socialist movement that led the October Revolution in 1917, advocating for a radical approach to communism and the establishment of a Soviet state.

Maoism: A form of Marxism-Leninism based on the ideas of Chinese leader Mao Zedong, emphasizing agrarian revolution and the role of the peasantry in achieving communism.

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