Untitled Flashcards Set

Bolsheviks: A faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, that seized power during the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia and later formed the basis of the Soviet Union's communist government.

Bourgeoisie: In Marxist theory, the class of capitalists who own the means of production, such as factories, land, and resources. They are contrasted with the proletariat, or working class, who sell their labor.

Command economy: An economic system in which the government makes all decisions regarding the production and distribution of goods and services. Often associated with communist regimes, where the state controls most aspects of economic life.

Communism: A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society in which the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the people, with the goal of eliminating private property and achieving economic equality.

Cult of personality: A phenomenon in which a leader uses propaganda and other means to create an idealized, heroic image of themselves, often with exaggerated claims of their abilities and virtues, typically used by authoritarian regimes.

Cultural Revolution: A sociopolitical movement in China, initiated by Mao Zedong from 1966 to 1976, aimed at reinforcing communist ideology by removing capitalist, traditional, and cultural elements from Chinese society. It involved mass mobilization of youth and widespread persecution.

De-Stalinization: The process of reducing the influence and legacy of Joseph Stalin following his death in 1953. Led by Nikita Khrushchev, it involved denouncing Stalin's repressive policies, reducing political purges, and loosening some authoritarian controls in the Soviet Union.

Glasnost: A policy of openness and transparency introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s in the Soviet Union. It allowed for more freedom of speech, press, and the release of previously censored information, contributing to political reforms.

Nomenklatura: A system in the Soviet Union and other communist states where the government controlled key positions of power and influence by appointing individuals who were loyal to the communist party. It referred to a list of approved people for specific political or administrative roles.

Perestroika: A series of political and economic reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s in the Soviet Union, aimed at restructuring the political system and transitioning toward a more market-oriented economy.

Proletariat: The working class in Marxist theory, particularly those who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive. They are considered the class that will eventually overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish socialism.

Politburo: The executive committee of the Communist Party, particularly in the Soviet Union, which holds significant power and decision-making authority. It was the leading body in the governance of the Soviet state.

Secretariat: The administrative body of the Communist Party, particularly in the Soviet Union, responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the party, including coordination, policy development, and bureaucratic functions.

Shock therapy: A term used to describe rapid, radical economic reforms, especially those implemented in post-Soviet countries, such as Russia, in the 1990s. These reforms often included privatization, market liberalization, and cutting subsidies, leading to significant social and economic disruptions.

Socialism: A political and economic system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated by the community as a whole. Unlike communism, socialism can allow for a degree of private ownership and market mechanisms, but it emphasizes social welfare and equality.

Totalitarianism: A form of government in which the state holds absolute power over all aspects of public and private life. Totalitarian regimes use extensive surveillance, propaganda, censorship, and repression to maintain control.

Warsaw Pact: A military alliance of communist states in Eastern Europe, led by the Soviet Union, formed in 1955 in response to NATO. The pact was dissolved in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Five-year plan: A series of centralized economic plans, typically used by the Soviet Union, that set specific production goals for different sectors of the economy over a five-year period. These plans aimed to rapidly industrialize and develop the country's economy.

Oligarchs: Wealthy and influential individuals, particularly in post-Soviet Russia, who gained control over major industries and resources during the transition from communism to a market economy in the 1990s. They often exerted significant political influence.

Duma: The lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, which serves as the legislative body. It has the power to pass laws, approve the budget, and influence the direction of government policy, though it has been criticized for limited independence from the executive branch.

Economic Reforms: These reforms were characterized by privatization, deregulation, and the establishment of a free market, which were essential in reshaping the economic landscape. These changes led to significant social and economic upheaval, as many citizens faced hardships while a small number of oligarchs amassed vast fortunes. In this context, the Duma's role in shaping and responding to these economic reforms has been crucial, as it navigates the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches while addressing the concerns of the populace.