Communism

Quick Facts: Who was Communism?

Subject:

Communism

Known for:

A political ideology aiming for a classless, stateless society based on common ownership.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Communism (from Latin communis 'common, universal') is a political and economic ideology whose goal is the creation of a communist society, a socioeconomic classless order centered on common ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange that allocates products in society based on need. A communist society entails the absence of private property and social classes, and ultimately money and the state. Communists often seek a voluntary state of self-governance but disagree on the means to this end. This reflects a distinction between a libertarian socialist approach of communization, revolutionary spontaneity, and workers' self-management, and an authoritarian socialist, vanguardist, or party-driven approach to establish a socialist state, which is expected to wither away. There are many variants of communism, such as anarchist communism, Marxist schools of thought (including Leninism and its offshoots), and religious communism.

Career & Major Achievements

These ideologies share the analysis that the current order of society stems from the capitalist economic system and mode of production; they believe that there are two major social classes under capitalism, that the relationship between them is exploitative, and that it can only be resolved through social revolution. The two classes under capitalism are the proletariat (working class), who make up most of the population and sell their labor power to survive, and the bourgeoisie (owning class), a minority that derives profit from employing the proletariat through private ownership of the means of production. Some variants additionally emphasize feudal classes, such as the peasantry and feudal lords, or other classes. According to this, a communist revolution would put the working class in power, and establish common ownership of property, the primary element in the transformation of society towards a socialist mode of production. Communism in its modern form grew out of the socialist movement in 19th-century Europe that argued capitalism caused the misery of urban factory workers.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels offered a new definition of communism in The Communist Manifesto. In the 20th century, Communist governments espousing Marxism–Leninism came to power, first in the Soviet Union with the 1917 Russian Revolution, then in Eastern Europe, Asia, and other regions after World War II. By the 1920s, communism had become one of the two dominant types of socialism in the world, the other being social democracy. Communist parties have been described as radical left or far-left. For much of the 20th century, more than one-third of the world's population lived under Communist governments.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1848: 1848 Milestone — In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels offered a new definition of communism in The Communist Manifesto.
2. 1917: 1917 Milestone — In the 20th century, Communist governments espousing Marxism–Leninism came to power, first in the Soviet Union with the 1917 Russian Revolution, then in Eastern Europe, Asia, and other regions after World War II.

Notable Quotes by Communism

“The history of all hitherto existing society is the story of the wage relation between man and man.” (1848)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Communism

True or False: “Communism, in its purest form, advocates for a system where distribution is based on individual contribution rather than need.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The core tenet of communism, as described, is that products should be allocated based on the principle of 'to each according to his needs'.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert I of Monaco — Historical peer (Born in 1848) (1848): Prince of Monaco, devoted to science, exploration, and modernizing the state.
• Augustus Saint-Gaudens — Historical peer (Born in 1848) (1848): Pioneering American sculptor embodying the ideals of the American Renaissance.
• Abdullah al-Sallal — Historical peer (Born in 1917) (1917): Yemeni military officer and revolutionary who led the North Yemeni Revolution of 1962.
• Adolf von Baeyer — Historical peer (Died in 1917) (1917): Pioneering German chemist known for indigo synthesis and IUPAC nomenclature.

Frequently Asked Questions about Communism