Communism in Russia 1900-1940
Key Words
Communism The political and economic system
whereby an entire population is ruled
by one party government and treated
equally in a classless system. Land
and profit are divided equally
amongst the citizens as government is
in charge of the economy. Every
person works together for a beneficial
society as group rights are seen as
more important than individual rights.
Capitalism The economic system (often
politically tied to democracy)
whereby economy is controlled by
private ownership in which business
owners are allowed to do what they
want with profit earned. Individual
human rights are protected and taxes
are paid by private businesses to
government. Society is unequal and
divided into classes by wealth
Socialism A system in which all classes have
equal opportunities
Proletariat The urban working class
Propaganda Information used to promote a
political message or to influence
people
Coup A sudden, violent seizure of power
Totalitarian A state in which one party has total
control, autocratic, a dictatorship
, Timeline
Revolution in Russia Start of First World War
1905 1914
Start of Civil War February+October Revolution
1918 1917
End of Civil War, Kronstadt Russia is known as USSR
Mutiny and NEP
1922
1921
Stalin in Control of USSR Death of Lenin
1928 1924
First Five Year Plan Second Five Year Plan
1928-1932 1933-1937
German invasion of USSR Outbreak of WW2
1941 1939
, Key features of the theory of Communism:
Resources (land, mines, factories etc.) are owned by the state on behalf of
the people; no private ownership; all profits used for the benefit of society
as a whole
Greater equality; no class divisions caused by an unequal spread of wealth
Government control of the economy; all decisions to be centrally planned
by it (such as what should be made, which factory or farm should make it,
what price, who gets the job)
Housing, medical services, education system and all social services
provided free by the state
Equality and the common good are valued more than individual freedom
The writings of Karl Marx
Concerned about social inequalities resulting from Industrial Revolution
Believed that a capitalist system, wealthy individuals exploiting mass of
workers, was morally wrong
Marxism was based on struggle between wealthy and poor
Struggle between capitalists (owned factories, businesses and land) and
proletariat (labourers)
Believed proletariat would need to use an armed revolution to bring about
change and would not give up their control willingly; establish a
‘dictatorship of proletariat’
Nationalise everything and redistribute wealth
Proletariat Revolution to happen in Industrialised Country
Key Words
Communism The political and economic system
whereby an entire population is ruled
by one party government and treated
equally in a classless system. Land
and profit are divided equally
amongst the citizens as government is
in charge of the economy. Every
person works together for a beneficial
society as group rights are seen as
more important than individual rights.
Capitalism The economic system (often
politically tied to democracy)
whereby economy is controlled by
private ownership in which business
owners are allowed to do what they
want with profit earned. Individual
human rights are protected and taxes
are paid by private businesses to
government. Society is unequal and
divided into classes by wealth
Socialism A system in which all classes have
equal opportunities
Proletariat The urban working class
Propaganda Information used to promote a
political message or to influence
people
Coup A sudden, violent seizure of power
Totalitarian A state in which one party has total
control, autocratic, a dictatorship
, Timeline
Revolution in Russia Start of First World War
1905 1914
Start of Civil War February+October Revolution
1918 1917
End of Civil War, Kronstadt Russia is known as USSR
Mutiny and NEP
1922
1921
Stalin in Control of USSR Death of Lenin
1928 1924
First Five Year Plan Second Five Year Plan
1928-1932 1933-1937
German invasion of USSR Outbreak of WW2
1941 1939
, Key features of the theory of Communism:
Resources (land, mines, factories etc.) are owned by the state on behalf of
the people; no private ownership; all profits used for the benefit of society
as a whole
Greater equality; no class divisions caused by an unequal spread of wealth
Government control of the economy; all decisions to be centrally planned
by it (such as what should be made, which factory or farm should make it,
what price, who gets the job)
Housing, medical services, education system and all social services
provided free by the state
Equality and the common good are valued more than individual freedom
The writings of Karl Marx
Concerned about social inequalities resulting from Industrial Revolution
Believed that a capitalist system, wealthy individuals exploiting mass of
workers, was morally wrong
Marxism was based on struggle between wealthy and poor
Struggle between capitalists (owned factories, businesses and land) and
proletariat (labourers)
Believed proletariat would need to use an armed revolution to bring about
change and would not give up their control willingly; establish a
‘dictatorship of proletariat’
Nationalise everything and redistribute wealth
Proletariat Revolution to happen in Industrialised Country
