Communism in Russia Flashcards
What two economic systems dominated the world in the 20th century?
Communism and Capitalism.
Capitalism was categorized by the following
Private individuals called capitalist controlled the wealth of the state.
They owned the means of production, which included a land, mines, industry, and businesses.
When were the ideas of communism more fully developed?
The ideas of communism were more fully developed during the Industrial Revolution.
What was the Industrial Revolution?
This was when hundreds of thousands of people left agricultural areas and moved to the towns to find work in new factories. They’re living and working conditions were bad and many lived in severe poverty.
What developed between the rich and the poor?
A large wealth gap developed between the small number of rich people and the majority who were poor.
What did he believe?
He believed that a capitalist system in which a few wealthy individuals exploited the mass of workers was morally wrong. And would lead to conflict and in the end would fail.
Key features of the theory of communism:
Resources, land mines, factories, etc. are owned by the state on behalf of the people. No private ownership or profits used for the benefit of society as a whole.
Greater equality. No class divisions caused by an unequal spread of wealth.
Government control of the economy, all decisions to be centrally planned by it.
Housing, medical services, the education system and all social services provided free by the state.
Equality and the common good are valued more than individual freedom.
How Marx believed a communist revolution would occur:
Capitalism, the Bourgeoisie (The haves) had great wealth which they acquired from exploiting the proletariat.
- The revolution of the proletariat:
The proletariat would rise up and overthrow the government in a violent revolution.
What was his theory?
His theory, called Marxism, was based on a belief that all human history was based on a struggle between those who had wealth and power and those who were poor and powerless.
He believed that this struggle was between the capitalists and the proletariat (Who owned only their labour)
What economic system was developed from industrialization?
Capitalism.
Who was Karl Marx?
Karl Marx was a German philosopher who lived most of his life in exile.
- The dictatorship of the proletariat:
All land, industries, factories and mines would be seized by the workers. A dictatorship of the proletariat would be established.
- Socialism:
A transition between capitalism and communism, during which time the state would take control of the nation’s resources and provide for the people’s needs.
- The Communist state:
Everyone would be equal, and all resources would be shared in a classless society. The need for government would disappear.
