Introduction to Communism and Marxism

Questions and Answers

What is communism?

The idea that all people are equal and share everything.

Who is the father of communism and what did he do?

Karl Marx - he studied the lives of the working class during the Industrial Revolution.

What is the Communist Manifesto?

A short book that spreads the idea of communism to the average person.

Who wrote the Communist Manifesto?

Karl Marx. Signup and view all the answers

How is communism different from capitalism?

In communism, you rely on the state, while capitalism is about individual efforts to better oneself. Signup and view all the answers

What are the social classes in communism?

There are no social classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bourgeois?

Upper middle class. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Proletariat?

Working class people. Signup and view all the answers

What is a command economy?

When the government decides on how the economy should be run. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the working class feel that communism would have been a better option than capitalism?

Because the system was in favor of the working class and would improve their working conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What countries and areas of the world began adopting communism in the early half of the 20th century?

Russia, China, North Korea, and Cuba. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries are more likely to have a communist nation and why?

Developing countries, because they don't already have a system in place. Signup and view all the answers

How is socialism different from communism?

Socialism is an economic system only, while communism is an economic and political system. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries implement socialist ideas into their government?

Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Canada. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of economies?

Free market economy, command economy, and mixed economy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a free market economy?

When a government has no say in the economy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mixed economy?

When the government has some regulations, but does not completely control the economy. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Adam Smith and what did he advocate in The Wealth of Nations?

He is an economist that advocated capitalism. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Georg Hegel?

A philosopher that believed that for every idea, there is an opposing idea and a completely separate idea. Signup and view all the answers

What did Marx believe about class struggles?

It is a necessary evil that can help create the perfect society. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Friedrich Engels?

A German whose family runs textile mills, a political writer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Communist League and why did they persuade Marx and Engel to do?

The Communist League is a small group of radical workers in Brussels, Belgium that persuaded Marx and Engels to write the Communist Manifesto. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marx view class struggle throughout history?

There was always class struggle, but the lower class always overthrows the oppressors. Signup and view all the answers

According to Karl Marx, what is 'surplus value'?

When the price of the goods is more than the wages of the workers. Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what happens in the 'socialist phase' of a communist revolution?

The new proletarian government would get rid of all private property and operate them for the benefit of the workers. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Karl Marx predict the first proletarian revolution would take place?

Germany, England, or France. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Marx's prediction of a proletariat revolution never happen in an advanced industrialized country?

Because the life of the average working class worker is going to steadily improve. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Marx's views of communism change?

Because when Russia adapted communism, the government basically became a dictatorship. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Communism

Communism promotes equality and collective ownership among individuals.

Karl Marx

Recognized as the father of communism.
Analyzed the working class conditions during the Industrial Revolution.

The Communist Manifesto

Written by Karl Marx.
A foundational text outlining communist principles intended for the general populace.

Differences Between Communism and Capitalism

Capitalism emphasizes individual achievement and personal growth.
Communism relies on state control and collective welfare.

Rejects the existence of social classes.

Bourgeois: Refers to the upper middle class.
Proletariat: Represents the working class.

Command Economy

Government assigns economic direction and controls production.

Working Class Perspectives

Seen as favoring working-class improvements and better work conditions compared to capitalism.

Adoption of Communism

Early 20th century supporters included Russia, China, North Korea, and Cuba.

Communism in Developing Countries

More likely to arise in developing nations due to lack of existing systems.

Socialism vs. Communism

Socialism: Focused solely on economic aspects.
Communism: Encompasses both economic and political systems.

Countries with Socialist Policies

Examples include Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Canada.

Economic Systems

Three main types: Free market, command, and mixed economies.

Economic Definitions

Free Market Economy: Minimal to no government intervention.
Mixed Economy: Government has some regulatory influence without total control.

Influential Economists and Philosophers

Adam Smith: Advocated for capitalism in "The Wealth of Nations."
Georg Hegel: Proposed that every idea encounters counter-ideas, leading to new ideas.

Marx's View on Class Struggles

Considered class struggles as a necessary phenomenon leading to societal perfection.

Friedrich Engels

German political writer from a textile mill-owning family.

Communist League

A radical worker group in Brussels that encouraged Marx and Engels to write the Communist Manifesto.

Class Struggle in History

Marx believed class struggles were constant, culminating in the overthrow of oppressors by the lower classes.

Surplus Value

Defined by Marx as the difference when goods' prices exceed workers' wages.

Socialist Phase of Revolution

Marx envisioned the new proletarian government abolishing private property to serve worker interests.

Predictions for Proletarian Revolution

Marx speculated revolutions would first occur in Germany, England, or France.

Obstacles to Proletariat Revolution

The improving quality of life for workers in advanced industrial societies hindered Marx's predictions.

Changes in Marx's Views

Shifted perspective after witnessing the emergence of dictatorial regimes under communist governments, particularly in Russia.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of communism as outlined by Karl Marx, including its principles, differences with capitalism, and social structures. Understand key terms like bourgeois and proletariat, and the role of a command economy in this political ideology.