Marxism and the Ideologies of the Russian Revolution

1. Marxism and the Ideologies of the Russian Revolution

2. Key Ideologies Economy: the production, distribution and consumption of goods Socialism: system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to control by the community

3. Ideologies cont… Capitalism: an economic and social system in which the means of production are predominantly private and operate without government interference Communism: structure that promotes the establishment of a classless, statelesssociety based on common ownership of the means of production

4. Karl Marx Wrote Communist Manifesto – 1848 • Intended as his solution to the “problems” of capitalism. • He saw the appalling conditions of factory workers in early industrial revolution where unions were illegal and workers not permitted to vote

5. Marxism • The means of production (industry) should be owned by all. • Wealth should be shared by all.

6. 3 Basic laws of Marxism • Economic Determinism • History is driven by who owns what. • All historical change is due to economic relationships

7. 3 Basic laws of Marxism • Class Warfare • There has always been a conflict between the “haves” and “have nots” • Marx believed there would be one final conflict when the industrial workers (proletariat) would triumph over the owners (bourgeoisie) and society would become classless

8. 3 Basic laws of Marxism • The Inevitability of Communism • Marx believed his laws were like scientific laws of motion and could not be changed. • Communism would be the future

9. An Ideal Society • People would contribute what they could and get what they needed. • When everyone had what they needed we would no longer need police and government. • The “state” would wither away

10. In Reality • The state has not “withered away” when communism has been introduced. • Typically communists set up one party dictatorships • Communism has not taken place in industrial societies with large proletariats (industrial workers) but in poor, peasant based societies.

11. In Reality • In communist countries the re-distrubtion of wealth has been done through the state • The state owns all “means of production” (industry and agriculture) • Most communist states have improved the standard of living for most people with better education, food, housing, and health care for the masses.

12. In Reality • Most communist states have improved the standard of living for most people with better education, food, housing, and health care for the masses. • To accomplish this right and freedoms have been severely limited