Marxism and the Ideologies of the Russian Revolution

Key Ideologies Economy: the production, distribution and consumption of goods Socialism: system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to control by the community

Ideologies cont… Capitalism: an economic and social system in which the means of production are predominantly private and operate without government interference Communism: structure that promotes the establishment of a classless, stateless society based on common ownership of the means of production

Karl Marx Wrote Communist Manifesto – 1848 Intended as his solution to the “problems” of capitalism. He saw the appalling conditions of factory workers in early industrial revolution where unions were illegal and workers not permitted to vote

Marxism The means of production (industry) should be owned by all. Wealth should be shared by all.

3 Basic laws of Marxism Economic Determinism History is driven by who owns what. All historical change is due to economic relationships

3 Basic laws of Marxism Class Warfare There has always been a conflict between the “haves” and “have nots” Marx believed there would be one final conflict when the industrial workers (proletariat) would triumph over the owners (bourgeoisie) and society would become classless

3 Basic laws of Marxism The Inevitability of Communism Marx believed his laws were like scientific laws of motion and could not be changed. Communism would be the future

An Ideal Society People would contribute what they could and get what they needed. When everyone had what they needed we would no longer need police and government. The “state” would wither away

In Reality The state has not “withered away” when communism has been introduced. Typically communists set up one party dictatorships Communism has not taken place in industrial societies with large proletariats (industrial workers) but in poor, peasant based societies.

In Reality In communist countries the re-distrubtion of wealth has been done through the state The state owns all “means of production” (industry and agriculture) Most communist states have improved the standard of living for most people with better education, food, housing, and health care for the masses.

In Reality Most communist states have improved the standard of living for most people with better education, food, housing, and health care for the masses. To accomplish this right and freedoms have been severely limited