A Brief History of Communism In The 20th Century

Communism is an economic-political philosophy founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century. They wrote and published “The Communist Manifesto” in 1848, aiming to end capitalism, which they believed led to the exploitation of workers.

Marx and Engels envisioned a society where the means of production would belong to the entire community, abolishing all private ownership. Their slogan was that everyone would contribute according to their abilities and receive according to their needs.

Communist philosophy began to develop in Russia in the late 19th century, leading to the Bolsheviks seizing power through the October Revolution in 1917. They changed their name to the Communist Party and nationalized public property.

Joseph Stalin continued to lead the USSR with communist ideologies, extending the growth of communism in Russia and beyond. This example of communism influenced many countries, including China.

Communism as a political ideology advocates for state ownership of major resources in a society, aiming to eliminate the class system through equal redistribution of income and benefits of labor.

Karl Marx, known as the Father of Communism, proposed this ideology in his Communist Manifesto, emphasizing the importance of class struggle and critiquing capitalism’s instability.

The Communist Manifesto did not provide concrete instructions for setting up a communist government but influenced revolutionary industrial workers across Europe, leading to the rise of an international labor movement.

The early 19th century saw civil unrest in Europe as urban working-class individuals faced poor living conditions and saw stark inequalities between classes, fueling the appeal of communist ideas.

Marx envisioned communism as a global movement that would inspire and expedite working-class revolutions throughout the capitalist world, starting with the French revolutions of 1848.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 marked a significant turning point in the spread of communism, with the Bolsheviks establishing a communist government and nationalizing public properties.

The rise of the Soviet Union under Vladimir Lenin and later Joseph Stalin exemplified the application of communist ideologies on a large scale, shaping the economic and political landscape of the 20th century.

The Cold War between communist ideologies represented by the USSR and capitalist ideologies represented by the United States was a defining struggle of the 20th century, highlighting the tensions between the two systems.

Communism in China followed a similar trajectory, with the Communist Party gaining power and implementing communist policies to transform the economic structure of the country.

The principles of communism, including collective ownership of resources and equitable distribution of wealth, continue to shape political discourse and movements around the world.

The transition from capitalism to communism involves a process of class conflict and revolutionary struggle, with the goal of establishing a classless society where everyone’s needs are met.

The implementation of communism has varied in different countries, with some experiencing success in establishing socialist governments while others faced challenges in transitioning to a communist society.

The influence of communism extends beyond economic and social realms to cultural and philosophical domains, inspiring movements for social justice and equality.

Criticisms of communism often center on issues of individual freedom, state control, and economic inefficiencies, leading to debates about the feasibility and desirability of communist systems.

Despite its challenges and criticisms, communism remains a significant force in global politics and history, shaping the trajectory of nations and influencing ideological debates.

The history of communism reflects a complex interplay of ideas, movements, and historical events that have left a lasting impact on societies around the world, shaping the course of modern history.

Conclusion: This overview provides a glimpse into the rich and intricate history of communism, highlighting its evolution, challenges, and enduring relevance in the modern world.

Communism like Capitalism were two approaches to a social issue which gripped the world.  The 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th centuries were plagued by massive poverty, starvation, and pestilence.   This was due to overcrowding, poor living conditions and a scarcity of clean water, little food and unclean living conditions.

There were two distinct classes the wealthy and the poor.  It was under these conditions that Socialism/Communism were born. 

This was post feudal system, yet the wealthy saw them selves as aristocracy/noble born and the poor as nothing but slaves/the unwashed masses to be exploited for their enrichment.

They espoused Capitalism (Free Market Economy).  Though it appeared free and to believe in individual liberty and personal property.  The truth is that as long as you are wealthy, the system functions. 

However, those who were in the lower class were little more than slaves.  In the idea world Capitalism would have represented freedom.  However, we live far from the ideal world.

Therefore, it was simply a change of definitions and titles.  However, it was still the feudal system where the wealthy instead of having titles such as (Duke, Lord, Prince , or King was simply called Millionaires or later Billionaires).

Nothing in function had changed at all.  In the middle 20th century, the middle class emerged, raising the working classes standard of living somewhat. 

However, for the most part, nothing really has changed since the earlier eras.  As such, capitalism could not fulfill its envisioned goals of universal financial freedom and the ownership of private property for all. 

The wealthy maintained their domination of the majority of the wealth in society.

As such, it was out of this turmoil filled time that the idea of Socialism/Communism took root, especially among the lower working class. 

As they struggled to eck out a meager existence working (slaving) in factories, in farms and on jobs owned by the wealthy.

Communism was the idea of communal property.  Everything is owned not by a limited number of wealthy individuals.  Rather, all property would be owned by all the people.

The Communist idea was this would be achieved through a people’s revolution.  Where the workers would rise up and throw off the yolk of slavery to the wealthy and take back the means of creating their own destiny.

By doing this, give back all property to all the people instead of it being owned by a few at the top of society.  With everybody receiving their fair share according to their need.

Again, in an ideal world, communal ownership and governance seem to be a good path to take.  However, again, we don’t live in a. Ideal world. 

How it played out in reality is the Communism became a weapon to be spread among the poor of a given country sewing the seeds of hope among the disenfranchised and lower class as a way for enemies to overthrow governments through violent revolution and uprisings.

Communism was also a failure, just like capitalism because both relied on this being an ideal world.  And as we all are aware, we are far from living in an ideal world.

As such, due to greed, corruption, and psychopathic delusions of grandeur, the power hungry and opportunist used both ideologies to attempt world conquest leading to a very bloody and violent history spanning centuries.

Communism like Capitalism, was a failed ideology that led to nothing but misery and the death of millions of innocent people worldwide.