Communism + Animal Farm

Old Major (Marx/Lenin)

Old Major, the wise and idealistic boar who inspires the rebellion, represents both Karl Marx (who developed the ideas of communism) and Vladimir Lenin (who led the Bolshevik Revolution).

Napoleon (Stalin)

Napoleon, the ruthless dictator who seizes control of the farm and rules with terror, represents Stalin. Like Stalin, he consolidates power, eliminates rivals, and uses propaganda to maintain his rule.

Snowball (Trotsky)

Snowball, the intelligent and charismatic leader who is eventually exiled, represents Trotsky. Just as Trotsky was expelled from the Soviet Union by Stalin, Snowball is chased away by Napoleon's dogs.

Squealer (Soviet Propaganda/Pravda)

Squealer, the manipulative pig who twists the truth to justify Napoleon’s rule, represents the Soviet propaganda machine, particularly Pravda, which spread Stalinist ideology.

China (People’s Republic of China) 1949

• Governance: The Communist Party of China (CPC) has ruled since 1949.

• Economic System: While the state maintains control over key industries, China has incorporated market-oriented reforms since the 1980s, leading to a hybrid system often called "socialism with Chinese characteristics."

• Political Structure: The CPC maintains strict control over political power, restricting opposition and enforcing ideological conformity.

• Marxist Influence: The party officially adheres to Marxism-Leninism but has evolved into a model that blends state socialism with capitalist elements.

Cuba (Republic of Cuba) 1959

• Governance: Ruled by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) since the 1959 revolution.

• Economic System: The state controls major industries like healthcare, education, and agriculture. However, since the 2010s, Cuba has introduced small-scale private enterprise.

• Political Structure: A one-party system where political dissent is restricted.

• Marxist Influence: The Cuban government still identifies as socialist and follows Marxist principles, though economic reforms have slightly deviated from classical Marxism.

Vietnam (Socialist Republic of Vietnam) 1975

• Governance: The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has ruled since 1975.

• Economic System: Similar to China, Vietnam has implemented "Đổi Mới" (Renovation) reforms, allowing market-oriented policies while maintaining state control over key industries.

• Political Structure: A single-party system with tight political control.

• Marxist Influence: The CPV still upholds Marxism-Leninism as its ideological foundation but follows a mixed economic model.

Laos (Lao People’s Democratic Republic) 1975

• Governance: The Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) has ruled since 1975.

• Economic System: Laos follows a socialist-oriented market economy, combining state ownership with private enterprise.

• Political Structure: A one-party communist state with limited political freedoms.

• Marxist Influence: Officially adheres to Marxism-Leninism but incorporates capitalist elements.

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) 1948

• Governance: The ruling party is the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), led by the Kim family since 1948.

• Economic System: The state controls almost all economic activity, though there are informal markets.

• Political Structure: A highly centralized authoritarian regime with a hereditary leadership structure.

• Marxist Influence: While North Korea initially followed orthodox Marxism-Leninism, it later developed "Juche" (self-reliance) and "Songun" (military-first policies), diverging significantly from traditional Marxist thought.