Communism, Socialism, and Russian Political History Overview

What is socialism?

A political orientation dedicated to removing social inequalities, endorsing policies like progressive tax laws and public ownership of key industries.

How is socialism viewed in the United States?

It is often equated with communism and is generally disliked.

What is the relationship between socialism and communism?

Socialism is considered a transitional stage between capitalism and communism.

Who is Karl Marx?

The father of communism, an economist, and a PhD in ancient Greek, who lived from 1818 to 1883.

What is the first principle of communism?

The elimination of private property.

Why does communism seek to eliminate private property?

Because it is seen as the root of evil and a source of alienation among people.

Define the proletariat.

The class of people with little economic power, land, or money, often referred to as the 'down-trodden.'

Define the bourgeoisie.

The upper class that owns the means of production and oppresses the proletariat.

What is dialectical materialism?

A theory of history that describes how material forces of production change and interact over time.

What is the end state of communism?

A state where there is no need for politics, private property, or social classes.

Who was Vladimir Lenin?

The founder of communism in Russia and leader of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party.

What did Lenin believe about the communist revolution?

He believed it could be forced and hastened, contrary to Marx's view.

What is democratic centralism?

A political system that allows free discussion of issues but requires adherence to decisions made by leaders.

What were the Bolsheviks?

The majority party led by Lenin that believed in selective membership and concentrated power.

What were the Mensheviks?

The minority party that believed in open membership and followed Marx's ideas.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

It ended Russia's involvement in World War I and ceded territory to Germany.

What was Lenin's slogan during the revolution?

Land, Bread, Peace.

What happened during the February Revolution of 1917?

Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, leading to a provisional government.

What occurred during the October Revolution of 1917?

The provisional government led by Alexander Kerensky was overthrown, and Lenin came to power.

Who was Leon Trotsky?

Lenin's right-hand man, known for his ruthless tactics during the civil war.

What was the economic condition of Russia during World War I?

Terrible, with poverty, food shortages, and millions of soldiers dying.

What did Marx predict about capitalism and the proletariat?

That long-lasting depressions would lead the proletariat to band together and end oppression.

What is the main characteristic feature of communism?

The dedication to the elimination of private property.

How do classes in capitalism differ?

Classes are defined by who owns the means of production and those who do not.

What did Marx believe about class oppression?

That the rich property class oppresses the poor property class throughout human history.

What are the two main classes in capitalism?

The bourgeoisie (upper class) and the proletariat (working class).

What did Marx argue about the future of capitalism?

That it would inevitably lead to overproduction, recessions, and depressions.

What was the main conflict in the Russian Civil War?

The conflict was between the Red Army (Lenin's supporters) and the White Army (aristocrats and those with power/money).

What economic policy did Lenin implement to address food shortages?

The New Economic Plan (NEP), which introduced elements of capitalism.

Who ruled the Soviet Union from 1924 to 1953?

Joseph Stalin.

What was Stalin's approach to agriculture?

He implemented massive agricultural reforms, including the collectivization of farms and the elimination of private property.

What were Kulaks in the context of Stalin's policies?

Kulaks were wealthy peasant farmers targeted during collectivization; millions were killed or repressed.

What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?

The policy asserting that the Soviet Union could intervene in any communist country threatened by internal or external forces.

What significant military action did the Soviet Union take in 1979?

The invasion of Afghanistan.

What were Gorbachev's two major reforms?

Perestroika (restructuring of the economy) and Glasnost (increased openness and transparency).

What was the impact of nationalism on the Soviet Union?

Nationalism worked against the Soviet Union, leading to its eventual breakup as various republics sought independence.

Who was Boris Yeltsin?

The leader of Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

What characterizes a totalitarian state?

A one-party state with complete control over military, police, and all aspects of life, requiring total allegiance to the party.

What is the dual executive system in Russia?

A system where the president handles foreign affairs and the prime minister manages domestic affairs.

What is the role of the Duma in the Russian legislative system?

The Duma is the lower house of the Federal Assembly, more powerful than the upper house, and can be dissolved.

What is the Federal Assembly?

The bicameral legislative body of Russia, consisting of the upper house (Federation Council) and the lower house (Duma).

What is the function of the Constitutional Court in Russia?

To interpret laws and ensure that legislation passed by the Duma is constitutional.

What is the Supreme Court's role in Russia?

To handle civil, criminal, and administrative cases and oversee lower courts.

What powers does the Russian president hold?

The president can declare war, impose martial law, call referendums, and appoint judges and deputies.

What is the significance of the term 'Van Guard of the proletariat'?

It refers to highly dedicated intellectuals leading the way for the proletariat in the revolution.

What was the outcome of the Prague Spring in 1968?

Soviet tanks were sent to Prague to suppress the revolt against Soviet control.

What was the policy of Detente?

An effort to relieve tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States.

What did Gorbachev hope to achieve with his reforms?

He aimed to make the Soviet Union more powerful and accountable, not to dissolve it.

What was the political climate in the Soviet Union leading up to its dissolution?

A terrible domestic economy and widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.

What was the impact of Reagan's military policies on the Soviet Union?

Increased military spending in the U.S. heightened tensions and pressured the Soviet economy.

What was the relationship between the Soviet Union and Cuba during Gorbachev's leadership?

Cuba suffered economically as the Soviet Union stopped buying sugar, impacting Fidel Castro's regime.

What is the significance of the term 'command economy' in the context of the Soviet Union?

An economic system where the state makes all decisions regarding production and distribution.