Communism Test Unit 3

Industrial Revolution and Its Effects

technological advancements, economic changes, and environmental damage.

Capitalism and Socialism Spread

Capitalism spread through colonialism, industrialization, and globalization, while socialism spread through revolutionary movements, the influence of the Soviet Union, and socialist governments seeking to address inequality.

Russian Revolution and Civil War

which occurred in 1917, led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime in Russia, followed by a brutal war where various factions fought to control the country, ultimately resulting in the establishment of the Soviet Union under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party; the "Reds" defeated the anti-Bolshevik "Whites" in this conflict, solidifying communist rule in Russia.

Soviet Union under Vladimir Lenin

As the founder and leader of the Bolsheviks, led the October Revolution which established the world's first socialist state. His government won the Russian Civil War and created a one-party state under the Communist Party. Ideologically a Marxist

Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin

The Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin (1924-1953) was marked by authoritarian rule, rapid industrialization, forced collectivization of agriculture, and widespread purges, resulting in significant economic and military growth but at a great human cost, including millions of deaths from famine, repression, and political executions.

Global Spread of Communism

Communism launched from Lenin's October Revolution and spread to China with Mao Zedong's rise to power and to Cuba, with Fidel Castro's takeover.

Industrialization and Urbanization and their challenges

poor living conditions for workers, overcrowding in cities, inadequate sanitation, environmental pollution, social inequality, and issues related to resource management and infrastructure development

Features of Economic/Political Theories of the 19th century

The 19th-century economic and political theories, such as classical liberalism, socialism, and Marxism, emphasized the role of individual rights, free markets, class struggle, and state intervention in shaping society and addressing inequality.

Pros and Cons of Capitalism, Socialism, Marxism, Communism

Capitalism promotes individual freedom, innovation, and economic growth but often leads to inequality and exploitation; Socialism aims for economic equality and public welfare but can limit individual freedoms and efficiency; Marxism critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society, though its practical applications have often led to authoritarian regimes; Communism seeks to abolish private property and establish a classless, stateless society, but its implementation has frequently resulted in economic inefficiency and political repression.

4 Geographic Regions of the Russian Empire

Siberia, the Caucasus, central Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe.

Peasant Life in the Russian Empire

characterized by extreme hardship, primarily due to the system of serfdom where peasants were tied to the land they worked and essentially owned by noble landowners, leading to a life of heavy labor, limited freedoms, and extreme poverty, often with harsh living conditions and a strong reliance on the village community.

Events of the Russian Revolution (1905-1917)

The Russian Revolution (1905-1917) was a series of political and social upheavals, including worker strikes, peasant revolts, and military discontent, that ultimately led to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy, the rise of the Bolsheviks, and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

How World War I impacted Russia

The result was revolution, civil war and famine in 1917-20, followed by decades of Communist rule.

The nature of Soviet life under Joseph Stalin

Soviet life under Joseph Stalin was marked by totalitarian control, widespread purges, forced collectivization, severe repression, and a cult of personality, all aimed at consolidating state power and enforcing ideological conformity.

Why Communism spread following World War II

primarily due to the Soviet Union's military presence and influence in Eastern Europe, combined with the widespread devastation left by the war, which created fertile ground for communist ideology to take root, particularly among populations seeking economic stability and social change amidst widespread poverty and political unrest.

Impact of Communism on Cuba

included the establishment of a one-party socialist state, significant land reforms, nationalization of industries, improved literacy and healthcare, but also political repression, economic challenges, and strained relations with the United States.

How the Industrial Revolution led to other revolutions, including the Russian Revolution

fueled economic inequality, harsh working conditions, and social unrest, which inspired revolutionary movements like the Russian Revolution as marginalized groups sought to challenge oppressive systems and demand political and economic change.

Adam Smith

capitalist writer

John Stuart Mill

capitalist writer

Charles Fourier

socialist visionary

Karl Marx

communist visionary

Friedrich Engels

communist visionary

The Communist Manifesto

Marx outlines communism

Tsar Nicholas II

last reigning Russian emperor

The Romanovs

Imperial House of Russia 1613-1917

Vladimir Lenin

founder of USSR

"Peace, Land, and Bread"

what lower class people want

Leon Trotsky

soviet politician

Rasputin

Russian mystic

Che Guevara

Argentine Marxist in Cuban Revolution

Fidel Castro

Cuban communist

Industrialization

development of industries

Urbanization

going from town to city think urban map game

Flying Shuttle

weaving device

Spinning Jenny

spinning frame

Cotton Gin

strip cotton of seeds

Steam Engine

engine using steam as work fluid

Locomotive

power for train

Bolshevism

Russian government form after the Bolshevik Revolution

October Manifesto

precursor to Russian Empires

Bloody Sunday

first violent move in Revolution

February Revolution

monarchy overthrown in Russia

The Cheka

Soviet secret police

The Duma

Russian legislative body

The Red Army

communist army in Russia

The White Army

anti-communist army

New Economic Policy (NEP)

policy highlighting reemerge of capitalism in Russia

Dekulakization

Kulgks who didn't follow orders + exiled + killed

The Great Terror

1.5 million political opponents in the gulags or killed

Five-Year Plan

250% industry growth, 150% agricultural growth

Collectivization

removal of private property

Holodomor

6 million Ukrainians die from hunger

Describe the 3 competing views of capitalism, socialism, and communism

Capitalism emphasizes private ownership, competition, and minimal government interference, aiming for economic growth and individual success but often leading to inequality. Socialism advocates for collective ownership and wealth redistribution to reduce inequality and ensure basic needs for all, with some regulation of private enterprise. Communism seeks a classless, stateless society with communal ownership of all property, aiming for complete equality, though it has often led to authoritarianism in practice.

Evaluate the Marxist lens on the people of Russia and how the 4 groups sought change in 1917.

Through a Marxist lens, the people of Russia in 1917 were divided into distinct social classes, each seeking change to address the inequities of the Tsarist system. The workers and peasants, exploited by the aristocracy and bourgeoisie, sought a revolution to end their oppression and gain control over the means of production. The intelligentsia supported Marxist ideals and aimed for a socialist state to overthrow the Tsar and aristocracy. Meanwhile, the military was disillusioned with the ongoing war and demanded peace, further fueling the revolutionary spirit. All four groups—workers, peasants, intelligentsia, and soldiers—shared a desire for radical change, leading to the eventual overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the rise of Bolshevik power in the October Revolution.

Compare the Russian Revolution with the French Revolution.

The Russian Revolution and the French Revolution both resulted in the overthrow of monarchies and the rise of radical political change, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with social inequality and economic hardship. In both cases, the lower classes—workers, peasants, and soldiers—played key roles in challenging the ruling elite. However, the French Revolution led to the rise of a republic and later Napoleon's empire, while the Russian Revolution culminated in a communist state under the Bolsheviks. Additionally, the French Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideas of liberty and equality, whereas the Russian Revolution was driven by Marxist principles and the desire to establish a classless society.

Explain the connection between the Industrial Revolution and the Russian revolution?

The Industrial Revolution played a key role in the Russian Revolution by exacerbating social and economic inequalities in Russia. Rapid industrialization led to poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation of workers, while the aristocracy and Tsarist regime maintained their wealth and power. This growing disparity, along with discontent from peasants and the urban working class, fueled revolutionary sentiments. The industrialization also contributed to the spread of new political ideologies, including Marxism, which influenced revolutionary leaders like Lenin, ultimately leading to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime in 1917.