Communism: A Primary Source Analysis

by Theodore Link

a system of government in which citizens share property and labor. Throughout history, the concept of communism has meant different things to different people. The ancient Greeks viewed it as an ideal vision for the future. Nineteenth-century workers hoped it would better their harsh lives. Idealists in the early twentieth century thought it would start a revolution that would change the world. It rose and fell in the twentieth-century in part because of economic pressure brought by the United States and because it became oppressive, with brutal dictators controlling the state.

64 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Begins with a history of idealized communities then socialists attempts to create societies. Shares Lenin's 1917 efforts in Russia, reforms are considered but dismissed.

Stalin opts for a purge then signs a pact with German which is soon broken. Mao in China and his efforts to quickly ramp up production. Mentions North Korea, Viet Nam and Cuba, includes photos. They all mostly failed due to lack of understanding of economies and the human desire for MORE! Personal owner of property disposed of.