Ideology & the Deep Roots

What is the economic basis of Capitalism?

Private ownership of property and the right to individual profit.

What is the economic basis of Communism?

State ownership of all industry/land; wealth is shared by all.

Define "Liberal Democracy."

Multi-party elections, freedom of speech, and a constitution.

Define "Totalitarianism."

A one-party state where the government has total control over life.

Why did the West fear the "Comintern"?

It was a Soviet organisation dedicated to spreading world revolution.

How did the USSR view Western "Freedom"?

As a way for the rich (Bourgeoisie) to exploit the poor (Proletariat).

What was the "Red Scare"?

Periodic waves of anti-communist paranoia in the USA (1920s & 40s).

Why did the Russian Civil War (1918) cause tension?

The USA and UK sent troops to help the anti-communist "Whites."

What was "Collectivisation"?

Stalin's forced seizure of farms; seen by the West as a human rights atrocity.

Why is the Cold War called "Cold"?

There was no direct "hot" military conflict between the two superpowers.

What was "Isolationism"?

The US policy before WWII of staying out of international affairs. |

Define "Sovereignity"

The right of a nation to rule itself; a key point of clash in Poland.

How did the USSR view the 1938 Munich Agreement?

As the West "green-lighting" Hitler to attack the Soviet Union.

What was the 1939 Nazi-Soviet Pact?

A non-aggression deal between Hitler/Stalin; the West saw it as a betrayal.

What is "Bolshevism"?

The radical communist ideology that seized power in Russia in 1917.

Why was the USSR excluded from the League of Nations initially?

Because the West feared and loathed their communist government.

What did Stalin mean by "Socialism in One Country"?

Strengthening the USSR before trying to spread it elsewhere.

Why did the USA not recognize the USSR until 1933?

They refused to acknowledge a government that seized private property.

What is "Imperialism"?

Extending a country's power through diplomacy or military force; both sides accused the other of this.

Why did the Great Depression (1929) matter?

It made Communism look successful to some, as the USSR had no unemployment.

Define "Proletariat."

The working class (the heroes of Communist theory).

Define "Bourgeoisie."

The ruling/middle class (the villains of Communist theory).

What is a "Command Economy"?

An economy where the government decides what to produce (USSR).

What is a "Market Economy"

An economy driven by consumer demand and competition (USA).

Why did Stalin value "Security" above all?

Russia had been invaded from the West in 1812, 1914, and 1941. - he felt unsafe

Why did the US value "Open Markets"?

They needed European countries to be wealthy enough to buy US goods.

What was the "Clash of Civilizations" view?

The idea that the two systems could never peacefully coexist.

How did Communist propaganda portray the USA?

As a land of racism, poverty, and greedy "warmongers."

How did US propaganda portray the USSR?

As a "Slave State" with no religious or personal freedom.

What was the 1941 Atlantic Charter?

A UK/US vision for the post-war world: no territorial changes and self-determination.