Communism and Marxism Flashcards
Communism?
an economic and political system in which the wealth is distributed equally among people. It is the opposite of Capitalism.
Capitalism?
an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and creation of goods and services for profit and the accumulation of wealth.
Feudalism?
Lords of the manor owned land, this meant ordinary people had freedom and rights to live on the land.
How did Feudalism end?
Between 1700-1800, the government passed multiple enclosure acts which meant that the ordinary people lost the right to live on the land and were forced to move to cities which were rapidly growing due to the increase in factories.
How did working in factories affect ordinary people and social classes?
The work the ordinary people were given were mostly dangerous, hard and paid little. Factory owners did not want to pay high wages that would mean less profit. So they turned to employing children as a cheaper form of labor.
What two groups did capitalist Industrial Revolution create?
Bourgeoisie (middle class–> factory owners)
Proletariat (working class–> workers/laborers)
Bourgeoisie vs. Proletariat = CONFLICT THEORY (society in conflict)
What did Marx think about these two groups?
Marx supported the proletariat as he saw them as being treated unfairly by the owners. He believed that the working class could bring about change if they were educated about the system and ensured personal development. He knew that change could only be brought about by a REVOLUTION. Workers had to overthrow the oppressors and establish a fair system where everyone was treated equally, and all factories and businesses were communally owned. This is what’s known as COMMUNISM.
How did Marx view Capitalism?
He saw this system as one that promotes and encourages inequality. The rich would always need someone to do the work they don’t want to. The system made sure that the poor stayed poor and the rich became richer.
