Communism Outline 50524k

Briegel 3 Hunter Briegel Foote English 12/17/2007 Communism

I.

Communism is a social, political and economic theory that transformed the world and shaped much of the 1900’s history. Communism was developed by Lenin, based on the writing of Karl Marx (Source: 2)

II.

The ideas of Communism were cultivated by the poor conditions of factory workers during the mid 1800’s (Source: 2) A. Marx believed that communism was the “highest stage of human development” (Source: 2) 1. Shared wealth ensures a “happy, harmonious society” (Source: 2) 2. Believed struggle and violence necessary (Source: 2) B. Communists share goal of equality and economic security (Source: 2) 1. Government ownership of land, factories and other resources (Source: 2) 2. Government planning of economy, command economy (Source: 2)

III.

USSR and Soviet Union A. Russia first Communist state (Source: 1) 1. WWI creates problems a. Heavy troop losses 2. 1922 formed USSR (Source: 2) B. Under Stalin 1. Ruled with “iron fist,” opposition sent to death camps (Great Purge) 2. Soviets rallied during WWII, political repression eased (Source: 2) 3. Stalin introduced collective farms (Source: 1)

IV.

Communism in Asia A. Mao Zedong 1. Defeated Nationalists in Civil War (Source: 2) 2. Communists appealed to peasants

V.

Communism transformed the world, created wars, and in effect divided the world into capitalists and communists during the 1900’s. Although the Soviet Union was dissolved, its influence is still present around the world and in Russian today. Nations such as North Korea and China continue to be Communist, although market reforms have been introduced.