Connection Between Socialism and Communism Essay Example

As I read the sources I was given to understand communism during and after World War I, my group and I found several connections between communism and other people, ideologies, and events that occurred. The connection I found to be the strongest was between socialism and communism. Communism is a group of political, economical, and societal ideologies that come together to form a desired and specific form of government and classless society controlled by the state. The general idea of communism is derived from the beliefs of Karl Marx (After the Revolution Pg 1). On the other hand, socialism is the theory of  citizens self-regulating the distribution and exchange of goods. A primary goal of socialism was to eliminate social classes and let the community decide on a common set of ideologies they should follow. 

Karl Marx invented the principles of communism in 1848 but in 1849, “... Marx believed that socialist revolution in Europe was not only possible, but inevitable”( Voyages Textbook, Chapter 23, The Industrial Revolution and European Politics, page 702). The ideas of communism and socialism clearly have a connection if the inventor of communism believes that socialist beliefs are necessary for society to function. Even though Marx initially invented these ideas in the 1800s, they were also seen throughout World War I. Throughout World War I, Vladimir Lenin, a Russian Revolution ideologist, practiced Marx’s ideas on communism and socialism. In the early 1900s, Russia was the least industrialized, but Marx believed that a Communist Revolution would occur when industrialization was at its widest extent. Lenin had to get Russia back ahead so that they would have a chance to win the Revolution. (After the Revolution: Communism in the Soviet Union). During Russia's setback, Lenin had to strategize and , “ argued that a small “vanguard” of professional revolutionaries, well-versed in Marxist theory, could shortcut the pathway described by Marx and jump-start a revolution, even in an unindustrialized  country like Russia”(After the Revolution: Communism in the Soviet Union). Lenin had to follow Marx's beliefs and Communist Manifesto to help lead Russia to success in winning the war  with specific strategies and tactics. Lenin had to supply the army with food and developed the “War Communism'' policy which was an emergency measure that gave the state control over food distribution. This policy fit the ideology of communism and socialism perfectly because the people had no control or say.  This policy was responsible for millions of innocent deaths due to famine. After Russia’s success in the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Lenin invented the “New Economic Policy'' which allowed small businesses to be privately owned and peasants were allowed to sell their surplus crops. This policy was a retreat from communism and socialism because neither the state nor people had a common set of practices they followed. The “New Economic Policy'' gave the people and economy more independence. (After the Revolution: Communism in the Soviet Union). The ideologies of communism and socialism often had a connection when  explaining the different ways communism took hold during World War I.