What is Communism?
•Political and Economic and Social Ideology
•Communism claims to explain everything
about life
•Is Communism the Father\Mother of
Totalitarianism?
French
Revolution
Marx and
Engels
develop idea
of
Communism
Russian
Revolution
Failed
German
Revolution
Chinese
Communist
Revolution
End of Soviet
Communism
1789
1840-1875
1917
1918-19
1949
1989
Karl Marx 1818-83
Frederick Engels
1820-95
Lenin (below) was the leader
of the world’s first communist
revolution. He led the
Bolsheviks to power in the
October Revolution in Russia
in 1917. Having established
the Dictatorship of the
Proletariat, the renamed
Communist Party of the
Soviet Union kept hold of
power for 72 years.
Marx and Engels: The Founders of
Communism
Karl Marx was a German Jew. He lived in London
where he developed the theory of modern
communism with his colleague Frederick Engels.
Their most famous publications were:
“The Communist Manifesto”, and
“Das Capital”.
Lenin: Leader of the
Russian Revolution
Karl Marx’s Theory of History
Ancient Mode
of Production
Feudal Mode
of Production
Capitalist Mode
of Production
Communism
Oligarchy
Nobility
Bourgeoisie
(Middle Class)
Social Classes
are abolished
Proletariat
(workers)
All wealth is shared
– “to each according
to his need, from
each according to
his ability”
R
Slave
producers
Peasant
producers
Dictatorship of the
Proletariat led by the
Communist Party
Revolution is the engine room of history
Dominant social class / Largest social class is “exploited” by the dominant class.
In a higher phase of communist society... only then
can the narrow horizon of bourgeois right be fully
left behind and society inscribe on its banners:
from each according to his ability, to each
according to his needs.
Karl Marx
Karl Marx Father of
Modern Communism
Capital is reckless of the health or length of life
of the labourer, unless under compulsion from
society.
Karl Marx
From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.
Karl Marx
Let the ruling classes tremble at a
communist revolution. The proletarians
have nothing to lose but their chains.
They have a world to win. Workingmen
of all countries, unite!
Karl Marx
A specter is
haunting Europe the specter of
communism.
Karl Marx
2 x link
Vladimyr Illich LENIN Leader of the Russian
Revolution, October 1917 and first leader of
Communist Russia
When one makes a Revolution,
one cannot mark time; one
must always go forward - or go
back. He who now talks
about the "freedom of the
press" goes backward, and
halts our headlong course
towards Socialism.
Vladimir Lenin
The Russian Revolution - Part 1 YouTube
There are no morals in politics; there is only
expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us
just because he is a scoundrel.
Vladimir Lenin
Sometimes - history needs a push.
Vladimir Lenin
Freedom in capitalist
society always remains about
the same as it was in ancient
Greek republics: Freedom for
slave owners.
Vladimir Lenin
The Spartacists, led by Rosa
Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht,
were a group of radical socialists who
found 'fame' in the first few months
after the November Armistice when
Germany experienced its so-called
'Revolution'. The Spartacists were
named after Spartacus who led a
revolt by slaves against the might of
the Romans in 73 B.C.
Communist Revolution in Germany 1914
In December 1918, some of the
Spartacists - including
Luxemburg and Liebknecht founded the German Communist
Party. Luxemburg had written
numerous pamphlets about
Lenin and how his leadership of
the Russian Revolution would
be of such great value to Russia
and Germany.
In January 1919, the Communists rose up in
revolt in Berlin. In every sense it was a futile
gesture against the government. Ebert
withdrew his government to the safety of
Weimar and allowed the Freikorps and what
remained of the regular army to bring peace
and stability back to Berlin once again. No
mercy was shown to the
Spartacists/Communists whose leaders were
murdered after being arrested.
Communism In China
•
•
•
•
China in revolution 1911-1949 (part1/10) - YouTube
China in revolution 1911-1949 (part2/10) – YouTube
China in revolution 1911-1949 (part3/10) – YouTube
China in revolution 1911-1949 (part4/10) – YouTube Important
•
•
•
•
Mao's Bloody Revolution – YouTube Important 17-25; 29-40 (GLF)
Mao Zedong – YouTube biased US clip
The Great Leap Forward ??? – YouTube Good shorter extract
BBC - Learning Zone Class Clips - One Party System in China - Citizenship
and Modern Studies Video
•
•
•
•
Mao's Bloody Revolution – YouTube Important 17-25; 29-40 (GLF)
Mao Zedong – YouTube biased US clip
The Great Leap Forward ??? – YouTube Good shorter extract
BBC - Learning Zone Class Clips - One Party System in China - Citizenship
and Modern Studies Video