Communism in Russia

An Economic Dream- Karl Marx Karl Marx- German philosopher who believed that capitalism was doomed. Capitalism- wealth in the hands of a few, others in poverty Predicted communism would replace capitalism Citizens would own property together & everyone would share wealth.

Communism at Work Command economy- central government makes all economic decisions. Took control of land, resources, banks, factors and transportation systems. Government planners decided what would be manufactured, how much it would cost and what crops would be grown.

Rapid Industrialization Major goal of the Soviets Farming became an industry through collective farms- huge farms where thousands of laborers worked Industrial & agricultural production DID increase under Stalin

Progress at a Cost Millions starved due to the collectives Protesters were quickly punished- estimated that Stalin was responsible for over 14 million deaths