Communism

Definition

Communism is a political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society in which all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. It seeks to eliminate capitalism and promote collective ownership, aiming for an egalitarian society where resources are distributed based on need rather than wealth. This ideology gained significant traction during the interwar period, influencing various literary movements and social narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism emerged as a response to the inequalities produced by capitalism, particularly during the industrial revolution.
2. The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal moment for communism, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union as the first major communist state.
3. Literature during the interwar period often reflected communist themes, addressing issues of class struggle, alienation, and social justice.
4. Writers associated with communism included those who explored its ideals through their works, often critiquing capitalist society and envisioning a new social order.
5. The impact of communism was felt globally during the interwar period, as various movements sought to adapt its principles to their own national contexts.

Review Questions

• How did communism influence literature during the interwar period?
  • Communism significantly influenced literature during the interwar period by inspiring writers to explore themes of class struggle, social justice, and economic inequality. Many authors used their work to critique capitalist societies, highlighting the struggles of the working class and advocating for collective ownership. This period saw a rise in socialist realism as a literary style that aligned with communist ideals, emphasizing the lives and struggles of ordinary people.
• Discuss the relationship between communism and other political ideologies present during the interwar period.
  • During the interwar period, communism coexisted with various political ideologies such as fascism, socialism, and liberal democracy. The rise of fascism in countries like Italy and Germany presented direct opposition to communist ideals, as fascists promoted nationalism and authoritarian governance. Meanwhile, socialism shared some foundational beliefs with communism regarding collective ownership but differed in its approach to achieving these goals, often favoring democratic processes rather than revolution. The ideological clash between these movements significantly shaped political landscapes across Europe.
• Evaluate how the success of communism in Russia impacted global perceptions of socialism during the interwar period.
  • The success of communism in Russia following the 1917 revolution had a profound impact on global perceptions of socialism throughout the interwar period. As the Soviet Union emerged as a superpower promoting communist ideology, many viewed it as a potential model for revolutionary change in their own countries. This led to both admiration and fear; while some were inspired by the promise of equality and social justice, others were alarmed by the totalitarian practices implemented under Stalin's regime. The polarizing nature of Soviet communism influenced socialist movements worldwide, as they navigated between advocating for reform within existing systems versus seeking radical change through revolution.

Related terms

Marxism: A socio-political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, emphasizing the struggle between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class) as a means to achieve a classless society.

Proletariat: The working-class individuals in a capitalist society who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Socialism: An economic and political system where the means of production are owned or regulated collectively, often seen as a transitional phase towards communism.