During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Russia and China faced a number of internal struggles. Dissatisfaction with leadership and a large, unhappy peasant class created instability in both regions. These activities offer an in-depth understanding of global communism for students. They are designed to help students understand the links between history and our world today.
Marx desired a society in which class lines were dissolved. He wanted to end the constant struggle between the working class (proletariat) and the owners (bourgeoisie).
Theory: Private Property is Eliminated
Under Stalin, important members of the Communist Party were given large homes and other luxury items.
Practice: Private Property is Eliminated
No need for fences - this land belongs to everyone.
Barracks
According to Marx, private property made laborers feel alienated. Private property should only exist, "as the relationship of the entire community to the world of things”.
Theory: Equality Between Genders
Workplace
Home
The land reform revolution that Stalin enforced was devastating to the peasants. The process of forcing peasants on to commonly owned "collective farms" resulted in millions of deaths.
Practice: Equality Between Genders
Workplace
!
Home
According to Marx, oppressing one gender is the same as oppressing a class (like the proletariat) and must be stopped.
Theory: Social Ownership of Production
Equal pay at work and equal responsibility at home!
In reality, Soviet women were expected to perform double duty. In addition to new demanding careers, they were also charged with all housework and child-rearing duties.
Practice: Social Ownership of Production
I'm heading out with my friends!
FASTER!
Marx felt that the proletariat (working class) should own the means of production.
Theory: Government Won't be Needed It Will Fade Away
Industrial gains were made, but the workers suffered through terrible conditions. Workers were punished, often with violence, for not meeting nearly impossible quotas.
Practice: Government Controls with Fear
Marx felt that a classless society would govern itself. Eventually, governing institutions would not be needed.
Government offices closed
Stalin created a totalitarian state. All aspects of life were controlled by the state - often through fear.