Communistic: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The roots of the term can be traced back to the 19th century, particularly associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who wrote 'The Communist Manifesto' in 1848.
• The idea of sharing resources comes from earlier communal societies that existed long before modern nations were formed.
• The word itself is derived from the French 'communiste,' which first appeared in print in the early 1800s.

Political Context

• Communism gained significant influence in the 20th century, most notably in the Soviet Union after the October Revolution in 1917.
• Various countries adopted communistic systems, notably China under Mao Zedong and Cuba under Fidel Castro, each interpreting the ideology in unique ways.
• The Cold War was characterized by the ideological struggle between capitalist countries and those identified with communism, impacting global politics.

Cultural Impact

• Communism has been portrayed in various films and literature, often serving as a backdrop for depicting class struggles and revolutionary themes.
• The Red Scare in the United States during the 1950s fostered a cultural fear of communism, influencing art, literature, and politics, which still resonates today.
• Several art movements, such as Socialist Realism, became associated with communistic ideologies, emphasizing the lives of the working class and revolutionary spirit.

Economic Concepts

• In a communistic economy, the government typically controls the means of production, aiming to eliminate competition and promote equality.
• Critics argue that communism can lead to inefficiency and lack of innovation since there are no individual profits to motivate productivity.
• Some modern political movements advocate for social democracy, a blend of capitalism and social welfare, trying to achieve some communistic goals without full state control.

Philosophical Foundations

• The philosophical roots of communism draw heavily from socialist thinkers who believed that capitalism created inequality and class struggles.
• Marx viewed history as a series of class struggles and theorized that communism would be the final stage, leading to a stateless and classless society.
• Various interpretations of communism exist, including libertarian communism and Maoism, each emphasizing different priorities and methods of achieving shared living.