What Are the Differences Between Socialism and Capitalism? versus

What Do All These Terms Mean? There are many terms that you will hear in your lives Some you may know, some you may have no clue about Today we are going to learn what the terms mean, how are they used and how their meanings have changed

Left Wing This term originated from the period of the French Revolution People who were opposed to King Louis XVI sat on his left They were known as revolutionaries who wanted to change the system – also known as radicals As with all politicians, their views as to how this should come about differed

Socialism Theory of social organisation The means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively Or run by a centralised government that often plans and controls the economy

What Do Socialists Believe in? They aim for a fairer and just society Workers hold the key to power Aim to remove social classes Welcome change towards these aims

Who Is A Socialist? Socialists are people who believe in equality of justice and less disparity in income As a result they oppose outright Capitalism They are worker orientated, and may see their struggle as being international Traditionally socialists are atheists as religion was seen as an “opium of the masses” - Marx

Communism Karl Marx’s books Communist Manifesto (1848) and Das Kapital ( ) advocated a workers revolution to regain control of capital and social/working conditions Those who own the land and the means of production - the bourgeoisie, prevent the workers – the proletariat, from ever succeeding and see them as another resource to be exploited Workers would rise up in their own countries, wrest control of the economy, nationalise industry, provide better social welfare and then over time help other workers abroad to do the same

What Are the Symbols of Communism?

The “Red Threat” Governments fear Communism, because it replaces supply, demand and profit with less efficient targets for national industries The state and its leaders are not the best people to organise the army, health, production or the economy Another fear associated with Communism is that it will transform the traditional power systems in a country, which could lead to anarchy As a result Communism has become associated with negative criticisms

Liberals These traditionally have been the centre parties Liberalism has varied in different countries In England the liberal tradition in politics has centred on religious toleration, government by consent, personal and, especially, economic freedom In order to get into a coalition government, the Liberals will temper their views to suit the political climate – some people say the Liberal party in UK are more “left wing” than New Labour on many issues Also known as Democratic or Centre parties

What Is Capitalism? An economic system characterised by private or corporate ownership of capital goodscapital Market forces and private decision determine prices, production, and the distribution of goods in a free market Everything is seen as a commodity, which can be bought or sold

Hierarchy of Capitalism

The Right Wing Traditionally seen as being conservative, which means they resist change to the established system - reactionary Have a strong belief in the leadership of those who are wise and able – oligarchy Emphasise the role of the family, yet place less emphasis on the community Demand a strong national identity – nationalist Usually work in close alliance with the established Church, which helps control mutual problems

What Is Conservatism? Represents the interests of business, the armed forces and the Establishment In Britain, typified by Thatcher in the 1980’s of strong central government; self-help being preferable to the reliance on the state; and entrepreneurial-ship Fearful of the implications of strong Trade Unions

Extreme Rightwing: Fascism Fighting units called fasci di combattimento (combat groups), were originally established to oppose Communism in Mussolini’s Italy c.1919 Fascism protected the existing social order by forcible suppression of the working-class movement and by providing scapegoats for popular anger such as minority groups Jews, foreigners, or blacks Fascism also prepared the citizenry for the economic and psychological mobilization of war by having total control over the state affairs – Totalitarianism or Dictatorship

Symbols of Fascism