Capitalism v. Communism

Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels Together wrote The Communist Manifesto (1847); statement of aims of Communist Party. Marx: father of Communism; followers called Marxists. Marx and Engels studied the history of world’s economics (way power, industry and finances are controlled). Saw countries developed in stages.

Stage 1: Primitive Communism How humans first lived together: tribes. Primitive = basic Communism = shared (food, jobs, belongings) No one owned land… for a while, until a group comes to power – leads to Feudalism.

Stage 2: Feudalism King or emperor becomes ruler of all people People left uneducated and told God chose the king to rule; church backs up king. King gives land and privileges to “nobles” who rule the people for him. Trade develops: some people get richer – leads to Capitalism.

Stage 3: Capitalism Business owners get richer as workers do all the hard work (labor). Creates large working class who become angry. Working class organizes and demands change (revolution) – leads to Socialism.

Stage 4: Socialism In Socialist revolution, all rulers (kings, churches, capitalists) are eliminated. Workers take control of country to produce things for everyone. Because nothing made for profit, all people benefit from education and health. These ideas spread across the world to create – Communism.

Stage 5: Communism Everybody works together for benefit of everyone. No war, military, police; no money, social classes, state.

What is Communism? Social, political, and economic system in which goods are owned in common and available to all.

What is Capitalism? Economic and political system based on private ownership and on investment of money in business in order to make profit.

What is Imperialism? An unequal economic, cultural, and territorial relationship between states based on domination and subordination.

What is Oppression? The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, unjust or cruel manner.

Communism Advantages: Everyone gets something (equal) No unemployment Healthcare for all citizens Cooperation of the people (work for benefit of country) Disadvantages: Abuse of power Restrictions (no freedom of speech, press, religious practice) Censorship Against ethnic diversity Government controls property Individual doesn’t compete

Capitalism Advantages: Individuals can own property Individuals can prosper/compete for wages Freedom of speech, press, religion Individual work has value Diversity has value Disadvantages: Poverty Lack of healthcare for all Monopolies: control too much business Inequalities (rich/poor; haves/have nots)