A Comprehensive Guide to Communism

What is communism? This is a question that has been asked throughout history, and there is no one easy answer to it. Communism is a complex political system that has been tried in different countries around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the communism meaning, as well as some of the key features of communist countries. We will also take a look at some examples of communism in practice to get a better understanding of this political ideology.

The meaning of Communism 

Communism is an economic and political system in which the means of production are owned by the community as a whole, and everyone works together for the common good.

Early Communism:

Contrary to popular belief, communism did not begin in Russia. Rather, it was born in the capitals of Western Europe.Western Europe was undergoing chaotic economic and social transformations in the mid-1800s as a result of the Industrial Revolution, a period of revolutionary invention. The expansion of industrial manufacturing resulted in a rush in new jobs as well as extraordinary economic growth in cities such as Brussels, London, Paris, and Vienna.

However, not everyone benefited in the same way.Many others received meager incomes, worked long hours in dangerous conditions, and lived in congested and dirty areas, despite the fact that a small percentage of the population grew extremely affluent.

Marxism:

Karl Marx, a German philosopher, was one of the most outspoken critics of these conditions. Marx was a staunch supporter of the common worker. He and his long-time partner, fellow philosopher Friedrich Engels, travelled around Western Europe, writing about the need for society to profoundly rethink its political and economic systems. Marx established two signature theories in his most famous works, Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto. To begin, he claimed that workers were suffering because they were reliant on the upper classes, who owned the industries, raw resources, and machinery needed to manufacture goods—a system he dubbed capitalism. Second, he believed that revolution was the only way to free workers from this system, and that a workers’ uprising was unavoidable after years of persecution.

Features of Communism:

In a communist society, there would be no rich or poor; everyone would have access to food, shelter, education, and healthcare. The government would provide for the people, and there would be no need for money.

– A classless society, in which everyone is equal

– No private property

– The government controls the economy

– Goods and services are distributed based on need, not profit.

Communist country:

Here is the list of communist countries:

– China

– Cuba

– Laos

– North Korea

– Vietnam

Communism Examples:

-The Soviet Union was a communist country from 1917 to 1991.

-Cuba is a communist country that has been in power since 1959.

-China has been a communist country since 1949.

-North Korea is a communist country that has been in power since 1948.

Advantages of Communist Society

The advantages of a Communist society are that it theoretically creates equality among its citizens. In a Communist country, the government owns the means of production, which theoretically allows for more equitable distribution of resources. The government also provides free healthcare and education to its citizens. In theory, a Communist society eliminates the class distinctions between rich and poor.

Disadvantages of Communist Society

The disadvantages of a Communist society are that it can lead to a loss of individual freedoms. In a Communist country, the government has total control over its citizens. This can lead to citizens being forced to live in poor conditions and not being able to speak out against the government. Additionally, a Communist society can be incredibly repressive, as the government does not allow for dissent or criticism.

Finally, a Communist country can be economically stagnant, as the government controls all aspects of the economy and does not allow for innovation or competition. Additionally, the government may not be efficient in its distribution of resources, which can lead to widespread poverty.

Despite the disadvantages, many people continue to believe in the Communist ideal. Communism has been responsible for some of the most significant changes in history, and its impact can still be felt today.

Difference between Capitalism and Communism

The main difference between Capitalism and Communism is that, in a Communist society, the government owns the means of production, while in a Capitalist society, private individuals own the means of production. Additionally, in a Communist society, there is theoretically no Class distinctions between rich and poor, while in a Capitalist society, there are large Class distinctions between the rich and the poor. Finally, in a Communist society, the government provides free healthcare and education to its citizens, while in a Capitalist society, these services are not provided by the government.

Difference between Socialism and Communism

The main difference between Socialism and Communism is that, in a Communist society, the government owns the means of production, while in a Socialist society, the means of production are owned by the workers. Additionally, in a Communist society, there is theoretically no Class distinctions between rich and poor, while in a Socialist society, there may still be some Class distinctions between the rich and the poor. Finally, in a Communist society, the government provides free healthcare and education to its citizens, while in a Socialist society, these services may not be provided by the government.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Communism may have some benefits, it is not perfect. It has caused the deaths of millions of people and is responsible for many human rights cases of abuse. Despite this, there are still people who believe in Communism and support it. For students who want to learn more about Communism, we suggest they read The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.