11.2 Communism

Communism emerged as a response to inequalities in capitalist societies during the Industrial Revolution. Early socialist thinkers influenced its development, advocating for collective ownership and equal distribution of wealth. The Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engels laid the foundation for modern communist thought.

Key principles of communism include collective ownership, centrally planned economies, and the goal of a classless society. These ideas were put into practice in various countries throughout the 20th century, with mixed results and significant challenges in implementation.

Origins of communism

• Communism emerged as a response to the inequalities and exploitation observed in capitalist societies during the Industrial Revolution
• Early communist thinkers were influenced by the ideas of socialism, which advocated for collective ownership of the means of production and a more equal distribution of wealth
• The origins of communism can be traced back to the works of 19th-century philosophers and economists who critiqued the capitalist system and proposed alternative models of social and economic organization

Influences from early socialist thinkers

Top images from around the web for Influences from early socialist thinkers

• 

  James W. Ford - WikiVisually View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Socialisme - Viquipèdia, l'enciclopèdia lliure View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Socialismo – Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  James W. Ford - WikiVisually View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Socialisme - Viquipèdia, l'enciclopèdia lliure View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Influences from early socialist thinkers

• 

  James W. Ford - WikiVisually View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Socialisme - Viquipèdia, l'enciclopèdia lliure View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Socialismo – Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  James W. Ford - WikiVisually View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Socialisme - Viquipèdia, l'enciclopèdia lliure View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Early socialist thinkers, such as Robert Owen and Charles Fourier, advocated for the creation of cooperative communities where resources were shared equally among members
• These thinkers believed that the capitalist system, with its emphasis on private property and competition, led to social inequality, poverty, and exploitation of the working class
• Henri de Saint-Simon proposed a society where the means of production would be owned and controlled by the state, with the goal of ensuring the well-being of all citizens
• Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, often considered the father of anarchism, argued that property is theft and advocated for a system of mutualism based on voluntary cooperation and exchange

Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto

• In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published "The Communist Manifesto," which laid the foundation for modern communist thought
• The manifesto criticized the capitalist system for its inherent contradictions and the exploitation of the working class by the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production)
• Marx and Engels argued that the history of human society is a history of class struggle, with the bourgeoisie and proletariat (working class) being the two main antagonistic classes in capitalist society
• They predicted that the contradictions of capitalism would eventually lead to a revolution, where the proletariat would seize control of the means of production and establish a communist society

Rise of communism in 20th century

• The Russian Revolution of 1917 marked the first successful implementation of a communist system, with the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, overthrowing the Tsarist regime and establishing the Soviet Union
• The success of the Russian Revolution inspired other communist movements around the world, particularly in countries with significant social and economic inequalities
• The rise of fascism in Europe during the 1920s and 1930s further fueled the growth of communist parties, as they positioned themselves as the main opposition to fascist ideology
• Following World War II, communist regimes were established in several countries, including China, Cuba, and Eastern European nations, often with the support or influence of the Soviet Union

Key principles of communism

• Communism is based on a set of core principles that distinguish it from other political and economic systems, particularly capitalism
• These principles are rooted in the idea of creating a classless, egalitarian society where the means of production are collectively owned and controlled
• The ultimate goal of communism is to eliminate exploitation, inequality, and the division of society into antagonistic classes

Collective ownership vs private property

• In a communist system, the means of production (factories, land, resources) are owned and controlled collectively by the community or the state, rather than by private individuals
• This collective ownership is intended to eliminate the exploitation of workers by capitalists, who profit from the labor of others
• Private property, particularly in the form of productive assets, is seen as the root cause of social inequality and class division
• Under communism, personal property (such as homes, clothing, and other consumer goods) may still be allowed, but the ownership of productive property is abolished

Centrally planned economy

• Communist economies are typically characterized by central planning, where the state determines the production, distribution, and allocation of resources
• Central planning is intended to ensure that economic activities are directed towards meeting the needs of the population, rather than maximizing profits for private owners
• The state sets production targets, allocates resources, and distributes goods and services according to the principles of social equity and need
• This centralized approach is meant to eliminate the inefficiencies, instability, and inequalities associated with market-based capitalist economies

Classless, egalitarian society

• The ultimate goal of communism is to create a classless society, where all individuals have equal social, political, and economic status
• In a communist society, the distinction between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat is eliminated, as the means of production are collectively owned and controlled
• Social hierarchies based on wealth, education, or other factors are abolished, and all members of society have equal access to resources and opportunities
• This egalitarian ideal is rooted in the belief that all human beings have inherent worth and dignity, and that social inequality is a product of the capitalist system

Dictatorship of proletariat

• Marx and Engels argued that the transition from capitalism to communism would require a temporary stage known as the "dictatorship of the proletariat"
• During this stage, the working class would seize control of the state apparatus and use it to suppress the resistance of the bourgeoisie and establish the foundations of a communist society
• The dictatorship of the proletariat is seen as a necessary step to prevent counter-revolutionary forces from undermining the progress towards communism
• Critics argue that this concept has been used to justify authoritarian rule and the suppression of individual rights in communist regimes

Abolition of exploitative labor

• Communism seeks to eliminate the exploitation of workers by capitalists, who extract surplus value from labor in the form of profits
• In a communist system, labor is organized in a way that ensures all workers receive the full value of their work, without the appropriation of surplus value by a ruling class
• This is achieved through the collective ownership of the means of production, which allows workers to democratically control their labor and the distribution of its fruits
• The abolition of exploitative labor relations is seen as essential for creating a truly free and equal society, where individuals can realize their full potential without being subjected to economic coercion

Communism in practice

• Throughout the 20th century, several countries attempted to implement communist systems, with varying degrees of success and adherence to communist principles
• The practical application of communism often diverged from its theoretical foundations, as political leaders adapted the ideology to suit their own goals and circumstances
• The experiences of communist regimes have been marked by both significant achievements and profound challenges, including economic transformation, social upheaval, and human rights abuses

Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin

• The Soviet Union, established after the Russian Revolution of 1917, was the world's first communist state
• Under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks nationalized industry, redistributed land, and introduced central planning to transform the economy
• Following Lenin's death in 1924, Joseph Stalin emerged as the dominant leader, implementing rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture through his "Five-Year Plans"
• Stalin's rule was characterized by the consolidation of power, the purging of political opponents, and the establishment of a cult of personality, leading to widespread repression and the deaths of millions

Maoist China and Cultural Revolution

• The People's Republic of China, founded in 1949 under the leadership of Mao Zedong, adopted a communist system that emphasized self-reliance and the mobilization of the peasantry
• Mao's "Great Leap Forward" (1958-1962) sought to rapidly industrialize the country through the collectivization of agriculture and the establishment of rural communes, but resulted in widespread famine and economic disruption
• The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was a period of political and social upheaval, as Mao sought to purge the party of "revisionist" elements and reassert his authority through mass mobilization and ideological campaigns
• The Cultural Revolution led to the persecution of intellectuals, the destruction of cultural heritage, and the disruption of education and economic activity

Other communist regimes of 20th century

• Following World War II, communist regimes were established in several Eastern European countries, including East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary, often with the support or influence of the Soviet Union
• In Asia, communist movements took power in North Korea and Vietnam, leading to the division of these countries and prolonged conflicts with their non-communist counterparts
• Cuba, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, adopted a communist system in the 1960s and became a close ally of the Soviet Union, leading to a prolonged economic embargo by the United States
• The experiences of these communist regimes varied, but many faced challenges in terms of economic development, political repression, and international isolation

Challenges of implementing communism

• The implementation of communism in practice often faced significant challenges, both in terms of economic organization and political governance
• Centrally planned economies struggled with inefficiencies, shortages, and the lack of incentives for innovation and productivity
• The concentration of power in the hands of the ruling party and the suppression of dissent often led to authoritarianism, bureaucratic corruption, and the abuse of human rights
• The transition from capitalist to communist systems often involved violent upheavals, social dislocation, and the disruption of traditional social and economic structures
• The international context, characterized by the Cold War and the opposition of capitalist powers, posed additional challenges for communist regimes in terms of trade, investment, and diplomatic relations

Human rights concerns under communism

• Communist regimes have often been associated with significant human rights abuses, including political repression, censorship, and the persecution of dissidents
• The suppression of individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, was justified in the name of maintaining the unity and stability of the communist system
• The use of secret police, forced labor camps, and show trials to eliminate opposition and enforce conformity was a common feature of many communist regimes
• The collectivization of agriculture and the forced resettlement of populations often led to widespread suffering, including famines and the destruction of traditional communities
• The legacy of human rights abuses under communism has been a major point of criticism and has contributed to the discrediting of the ideology in the eyes of many observers

Communism vs capitalism

• Communism and capitalism represent two opposing economic and political systems, with fundamentally different approaches to the organization of society and the allocation of resources
• The key differences between communism and capitalism revolve around the ownership of the means of production, the role of the state, and the distribution of wealth and power
• The historical competition between communist and capitalist systems, exemplified by the Cold War, has shaped much of the political and economic landscape of the 20th century

Ownership of means of production

• In a capitalist system, the means of production (factories, land, resources) are privately owned by individuals or corporations, who use them to generate profits
• Under communism, the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the community or the state, with the goal of eliminating private property and the exploitation of workers
• This fundamental difference in ownership structures has far-reaching implications for the organization of work, the distribution of wealth, and the balance of power in society

Role of government in economy

• In a capitalist system, the government plays a limited role in the economy, primarily focused on maintaining the rule of law, protecting property rights, and providing public goods and services
• Under communism, the government plays a central role in the economy, directing production, setting prices, and allocating resources through central planning
• The extensive intervention of the state in economic affairs is seen as necessary to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth and the achievement of social goals, but critics argue that it leads to inefficiencies and the concentration of power

Incentives and resource allocation

• Capitalism relies on market forces, particularly the profit motive, to incentivize economic activity and allocate resources efficiently
• Under communism, the absence of market incentives and the reliance on central planning can lead to inefficiencies, shortages, and the misallocation of resources
• The debate over the relative merits of market-based and centrally planned systems has been a central theme in the ideological competition between capitalism and communism

Individual liberties and freedoms

• Capitalist systems, particularly liberal democracies, place a strong emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, including the freedom of speech, assembly, and economic choice
• Communist systems, in practice, have often been associated with the suppression of individual liberties and the subordination of personal interests to the collective good
• The tension between individual rights and collective goals has been a major point of contention in the debate between capitalist and communist systems

Historical economic performance

• The historical record of economic performance under communist and capitalist systems has been a subject of intense debate and interpretation
• Capitalist economies, particularly in the developed world, have generally achieved higher levels of productivity, innovation, and living standards compared to their communist counterparts
• Communist economies, while often achieving rapid industrialization and social progress in their early stages, have typically struggled with stagnation, inefficiency, and declining living standards over time
• The collapse of the Soviet Union and the economic reforms in China have been seen as evidence of the superior economic performance of market-based systems, although the social and environmental costs of capitalism remain a point of criticism

Decline of communism

• The late 20th century saw a significant decline in the influence and appeal of communism, as many communist regimes faced economic stagnation, political upheaval, and popular discontent
• The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a turning point in the history of communism, as the world's largest and most powerful communist state disintegrated and many of its former allies abandoned the ideology
• The decline of communism has been attributed to a range of factors, including economic inefficiencies, political repression, and the failure to adapt to changing global circumstances

Economic stagnation in communist countries

• By the 1970s and 1980s, many communist economies were experiencing significant economic stagnation, characterized by low growth rates, declining productivity, and shortages of consumer goods
• The centrally planned economic systems struggled to keep pace with the dynamism and innovation of market-based economies, particularly in the face of technological change and global competition
• The inability of communist regimes to provide rising living standards and consumer goods eroded popular support for the system and fueled demands for reform

Collapse of Soviet Union

• The Soviet Union, the world's largest and most influential communist state, faced mounting economic and political challenges in the 1980s, including declining growth rates, rising budget deficits, and nationalist unrest in its constituent republics
• The policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in an attempt to revitalize the system unleashed forces that ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union
• The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War and the demise of communism as a major global force

China's economic reforms and liberalization

• China, the world's most populous communist state, began a process of economic reform and liberalization in the late 1970s under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping
• The Chinese Communist Party introduced market-oriented reforms, such as the decollectivization of agriculture, the encouragement of private enterprise, and the opening up of the economy to foreign investment
• While maintaining tight political control, China's economic reforms have led to rapid growth and the emergence of a mixed economy, with a significant role for private business and market forces
• The success of China's economic reforms has been seen as a challenge to the traditional communist model and has raised questions about the future of the ideology

Failures of communist system

• The decline of communism has been attributed to a range of systemic failures, including economic inefficiencies, political repression, and the inability to adapt to changing circumstances
• The centrally planned economic systems of communist countries often led to shortages, waste, and the misallocation of resources, as they struggled to respond to consumer demands and technological change
• The concentration of political power in the hands of the ruling party and the suppression of dissent led to widespread corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the abuse of human rights
• The failure of communist regimes to deliver on their promises of social equality, material abundance, and political freedom eroded popular support and legitimacy

Legacy and impact of communism

• Despite its decline, communism has left a significant legacy in terms of its impact on global politics, economics, and social movements
• The Cold War, which dominated international relations for much of the 20th century, was largely defined by the ideological and geopolitical competition between communist and capitalist systems
• The experience of communist regimes has shaped the political and economic trajectories of many countries, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia, as they have grappled with the challenges of transition and reform
• The ideas and values associated with communism, such as social equality, collective ownership, and the critique of capitalism, continue to influence political and social movements around the world, even as the traditional communist model has been largely discredited