Communism

Communism: A Political and Economic Philosophy

Communism, a political and economic philosophy, was founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the mid-19th century. The ideology aimed to end the class system, which exploited the labor class, by establishing a society where the community owned the means of production. The ultimate goal was a pure communist society where people would give according to their abilities and receive according to their needs.

Pre-Marxist Communism

The concept of communal ownership dates back to ancient times, seen in Plato's "The Republic" and Pythagoreanism. Thomas Muntzer, a German preacher, led an Anabaptist Communist movement during the German Peasants War. Sir Thomas More's "Utopia" envisioned a society with common ownership and regulated use of property. During the English Civil War, groups like the "Diggers" supported communism. Jean Jacques Rousseau, inspired by the Jansenist movement, criticized private property. Maximilien Robespierre, a key figure in the French Revolution, is highly regarded by communists.

Karl Marx

Marx, born in 1818, was a journalist who criticized European administrations and socialist movements. Meeting Friedrich Engels in 1844, they co-authored "The Communist Manifesto" in 1848, outlining the beliefs of the Communist League. Marx's works, including "Das Kapital," emphasized the relationship between use and value. His ideologies faced opposition, but he remained committed.

Early Development of Marxism

In the late 19th century, left-wing associations campaigned against autocratic right-wing groups. The Paris Commune, established in 1871, was a form of government that didn't last. The German Social-Democratic Party, founded in 1875, adopted Marxist principles. Marxism gained support in Europe, leading to the establishment of the Second International.

Early Communist States

The Russian Revolution of 1917 saw the rise of the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, who established a Marxist government. Industries were nationalized, and land was redistributed. The Russian Civil War followed, with the Bolsheviks emerging victorious. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formed in 1922, with Lenin at its helm until his death in 1924. Joseph Stalin took over, carrying forward Marxist ideologies.

Mongolia, Comintern, and Communism in Europe

The Communist International (Comintern) was established in 1916, dominated by Kremlin. Mongolia was invaded by Soviet Union in 1921, leading to the formation of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924. Communist groups spread across Europe, with uprisings in Germany, Hungary, and Italy. Stalin's rule saw the Great Terror, a period of political repression, and the implementation of policies like collectivization and industrialization.

Spread of Communism

After World War II, Kremlin established new international coordination bodies, including the World Federation of Trade Unions. Soviet Union faced challenges, including a devastating famine in 1946-1947. Despite this, the country recovered, and communism continued to spread globally.



Here are some key points to know about communism in today's world ¹ ²:
- Only five communist countries remain in the world: China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and Vietnam.
- Communism encompasses both political and economic control, with single-party governance and centralized economic planning.
- Socialist nations, unlike communist ones, often embrace democratic systems with multiple political parties and encourage private ownership alongside government control of key industries.
- The Soviet Union's influence was crucial in the establishment and support of communist regimes in various countries, many of which collapsed after the USSR's dissolution.
- Several former and current communist nations have faced, or continue to face, significant human rights challenges, including political repression and ethnic persecution.
- China remains a communist superpower by implementing market reforms that have spurred significant economic growth while maintaining strict political control under the Communist Party.
- The economic performances of the remaining communist nations vary widely, with China being a major global economic power, Vietnam experiencing rapid growth, and countries like Laos and Cuba facing economic challenges.

In conclusion, communism, founded by Marx and Engels, aimed to establish a society where the community owned the means of production. The ideology faced opposition but gained support in Europe and beyond, shaping the course of modern history.