The Founding of Communism
Communism started during the 1840s, the period when different ideologies arose in Germany. It was founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who respectively excelled in their fields; politics and sociology (History World). The combination of these two individuals became so influential that their ideologies stood out among the several philosophies and ideas during that period. With Marx’s theories, and Engels’ experience in the materialistic world, they gave life to a new economic and political idealism, which received a hostile welcoming from the feudalist society (Ollman). This is because, the feudalist society was dominated by the bourgeoisie, whose wealth is much greater than the common people. Communism, the would-be term for Marx’s and Engels’ combined ideologies, expounded the principle of distributed wealth, which can only be gained if an individual deserved or need that certain portion of wealth (History World). As a result, the bourgeoisie-dominated society reacted violently, but ultimately, the principles of Socialism has made Communism accepted in the later years (History World).
Communism as Compared with Socialism and Capitalism
Communism is always being compared with other ideologies, particularly Socialism and Capitalism. As Communism has been regarded as having the same principle as Socialism, it is the opposite sense when Communism is compared with Capitalism. Capitalism emerged before Communism, with the idea of having social hierarchy, wherein it was believed that the wealthier ones benefited the most (Kowalczyk, 2016). Capitalism was viewed as a self-centered form of political system, and that the common people, or those that are not in the bourgeoisie group, will not receive any benefit from it. Marx and Engels tackled this particular issue during that time, and this led to the foundation of Communism. Socialism, moreover, served as the catalyst for the full foundation of Communism. This ideology pointed out the flaws of a capitalist society, and the common people embraced it due to its “noble intentions” (Kowalczyk, 2016). Communism is something that makes people control of their own society. Meaning, the society must not follow a free market system, because it was controlled easily by the wealthier groups. Communism sought to end this social divide between the rich and the poor by determining what is best as a whole, and not as an individual (Kowalczyk, 2016).
The Communist Manifesto
The Communist Manifesto was developed by Marx and Engels, during the time when Communism was widely accepted in their society (Marx/Engels Selected Works, 1969). It was developed in order to proclaim the acceptance of Communism in different societies. The Manifesto tackled the social hierarchy developed during the reign of Capitalism. The wealthy ones are regarded as the masters, who continue to use their slaves for their own gain. Free market became their way of oppression, because they are the only ones who fully understood this system (Marx/Engels Selected Works, 1969). According to the Manifesto, progress will never be achieved if the whole society will not benefit from the advancement of mankind. As such, there is an essential need for the government to intervene, and to proceed with the handling and management of the accumulated wealth (Marx/Engels Selected Works, 1969).
The Rise of the Influential Communist Leaders: Similarities and Differences
Throughout the history of Communism, there are those who are considered as remarkable leaders. Communist leaders have significant roles, especially in exercising the necessary measures in achieving the ultimate goal of their movement (Avakian, 2009). Three leaders were able to achieve this in the past during their reign: Mao Zedong of China, as well as Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin of Russia.
Throughout the achievements and failures of these three leaders, there are similarities and differences which enable one to describe and observe the different ways of Communism.
Attempt of Communist Revolution
During the time when the communist society of these leaders flourished the greatest, they have one thing in common, and that is the way on how they attempted to revolutionize the industry sector. Mao focused on the agricultural industry (BBC); Lenin prioritized the war industry (Tarr, 2006), and; Stalin improved the civil privileges, particularly the women and the children (Trueman, 2015). Despite the difference in the sectors that they wanted to revolutionize, it is still a fact that Communist leaders have their own set of agenda that needs prioritizing. Also, the unfortunate truth is that these agendas produced negative results, mainly due to the interference of wrong governance.
The Use of Military
The Degree of Success
These three Communist leaders might have implemented their own ways to further strengthen their political reforms. However, the main difference can be seen in how they successfully strengthen these reforms. The extent of impacts can be considered as one of the major factors for determining the success of their Communist movement. Mao’s reform aimed a completely Chinese Communist society. The aforementioned “Cultural Revolution” is a part of this reform, and it aimed to eliminate cultures that are not of Chinese origin. The outcome, however, is the death of nearly two million people, and several Chinese cultures were unable to be restored (BBC). Lenin, however militaristic the nature of his Bolsheviks was, succeeded in maintaining a better society during his reign. His principles were able to hold peace in the best way he can until his death (Tarr, 2006). Finally, Stalin prioritized the welfare of the citizens above anything else, though the use of military was still present. However, it can be said that more opportunities are presented to the people, in order to prove their worth to the wealth of their society (Trueman, 2015). The main point about the success of Communist leaders is that they can prove that leaders are the driver of the nation, and not the method of governance. Communism, throughout its history, might have brought ideals which are not acceptable worldwide. Yet, there are times when a society gets better than before, and it is because on how the leaders make their political system efficient.
References
Avakian, B. (2009). On the Role Of Communist Leadership and Some Basic Questions of Orientation, Approach and Method. Revolution Newspaper. Retrieved 18 January, 2017, from http://revcom.us/avakian/Out%20into%20the%20World/Avakian_ Out_into_World_pt1-en.html.
BBC. Mao Zedong (1893-1976). Retrieved 18 January, 2017, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/mao_zedong.shtml.
History World. History of Communism. Retrieved 18 January, 2017, from http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?ParagraphID=mwg
Kowalcyzk, H. (2016). Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism. The Huffington Post. Retrieved 18 January, 2016, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/henryk-a-kowalczyk/capitalism- socialism-and-_b_8523486.html.
Marx/Engels Selected Works. Manifesto of the Communist Party by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, February 1848. (1969). Moscow: Progress Publishers. 98-137.
Ollman, B. (n.d). What is Marxism? A Bird’s-Eye View. Retrieved 18 January, 2017, from https://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/what_is_marxism_content.php.
Tarr, R. (2006). Lenin in Power. History Today. Retrieved 18 January, 2017, from https://www.historytoday.com/russel-tarr/lenin-power.
Trueman, C. (2015). Life in USSR Under Stalin. The History Learning Site. Retrieved 18 January, 2017, from http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/modern-world-history-1918-to- 1980/russia-1900-to-1939/life-in-ussr-under-stalin/
