4: Karl Marx and V.I. Lenin and Communism Flashcards
Who was Karl Marx?
Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a German philosopher and economist known for his theories on socialism and communism.
Where was Karl Marx born?
He was born in the Rhineland, Germany.
Who was Karl Marx’s main collaborator?
Friedrich Engels (1820-1895)
Which major events influenced Karl Marx’s thinking?
The French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution in England.
Which philosopher had a major influence on Karl Marx?
G.W.F. Hegel
How did Hegel influence Marx’s view of history?
Both believed history had a meaning and moved in a set pattern toward a goal.
How did Marx view history?
History is dominated by class struggles, leading ultimately to a classless society.
Why did Marx believe England was important for studying capitalism?
He saw England as the center of industrial capitalism and economic analysis.
What is Dialectical Materialism?
A theory where political and historical events result from social class conflicts arising from economic conditions.
What are the three components of Marx’s dialectical process?
Thesis (existing order), Antithesis (challenge to the order), and Synthesis (new order).
What is the ultimate goal of history according to Marx?
A classless society of communism.
What did Marx believe about the duty to work under communism?
It would not be abolished; instead, people would work according to their ability and receive according to their needs.
What are the two stages of communism according to Marx?
- Socialism: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his work.” 2. Communism: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.”
What is alienation in Marxist theory?
Under capitalism, workers are alienated from their labor, products, employers, other workers, nature, and themselves.
Why is alienation important in Marxist theory?
It creates class consciousness necessary for revolution and social change.
What did Karl Marx call religion?
The opium of the masses.
What is the significance of “The Communist Manifesto” (1848)?
It explains the theory of class struggle and revolution.
What did Marx and Engels argue about the end of capitalism?
Capitalism would be destroyed by the same social forces that ended previous economic systems.
Did Marx outline a clear political transformation from capitalism to communism?
No, he left it to the forces of history.
Who was V.I. Lenin?
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870-1924) was a Russian revolutionary and the leader of the Bolshevik Party.
How did Lenin view himself in relation to revolutionary traditions?
He saw himself as a successor to earlier Russian revolutionaries.
What is Russian Jacobinism?
A theory advocating for revolutionary seizure of power followed by a dictatorship to transform society.
What did Lenin believe about revolution?
It should be led by dedicated professional revolutionaries.
What is the Vanguard Party?
A small, highly committed revolutionary party that would guide the working class.
What book did Lenin publish in 1902?
What Is To Be Done?
Why did Lenin reject mass membership for the revolutionary party?
He believed the party should link with the masses through unions and study circles but remain exclusive.
What did Lenin consider imperialism to be?
The highest stage of capitalism.
What was Lenin’s primary economic challenge after the revolution?
Managing the transition from capitalism to a socialist planned economy.
What was Lenin’s key economic focus?
Strict control over production and distribution, increased labor productivity, and socialization of production.
