Marxism Appeal To USSR in 1917 Flashcards
Define Marxism
A complex form of socialism often regarded as the first form of communism based on the writings of Karl Marx.
Define capitalism.
A system in which private wealth and individual ownership were the economic principles.
There’s barely any state control and individuals essentially control everything.
What are the differences between capitalism and Marxism (early communism)?
Capitalism-Unequal distribution of wealth.
Powerful wealthy minority group and a poor, working vast magority.
Communism-Wealthy individuals exploiting the masses of workers is immoral.
Justice and equality for poor proletariat (majority)
Extreme capitalism and extreme Marxism are very contrary as in short Marxism strives for extreme equality whereas capitalism strives for extreme individual control and wealth, therefore class division and extreme inequality.
Discuss political situation in USSR
Beginning of 20th century Tsar run USSR and had absolute power (poor leadership):
Made laws himself
Appointed all ministers himself
Didn’t help peasant situation-living in poverty+hardship working on the land using backward farming methods so low production.
1904-1905 involved USSR in war despite country’s problems+lack of resources; lost every battle so peasants angry.
No laws protect workers (vast majority)
Political system: no freedom of speech, belief or opinion
Discuss Marxism political ideas
Everyone would have equal political rights.
No need for government-tsar wouldn’t have control.
Marx believed proletariat would have to use armed revolution bring about change-once in power establish temporary dictatorship of proletariat before redistributing wealth equally so everyone lives in free, equal communist society.
Discuss social situation in USSR
Capitalist system brought about wide gap between rich+poor (individual wealth-poor majority workers)
Wealthy, powerful minority+large group poor
Hierarchy+society based on class system determined by ownership of wealth
Class division directly affected power, status and wealth in society.
Divisions fixed-no way to move upon society-birthright
Social structure meant peasants (majority) depend on landowning noble for food+shelter = enable wealthy to have power over poor
Discuss Marxism social ideas
Wealth would be redistributed in society-eliminate hierarchy+class division leaving everyone with equal power, wealth and therefore social status.
Nobody inherit property or money=birthright idea demolished
Discuss the economic situation in USSR
USSR economically weak
Little industry most people peasant farmers-wages based on needs of owners
Abundance of labor-limited jobs=low wages
Limited/no government price control
Mines, factories, land businesses operated+managed by individuals who owned them-profit went to them
These owners=very wealthy while workers+peasant farmers=very poor
Discuss Marxism economic ideas
State control all land-rent out-use income cover state expenses
Credit type issues handled by state-controlled banking system
Factories+transport systems nationalized
State oversee children education +ensure employment all adults
