Socialism And Communism Are Similar Because They Both Oppose

Socialism And Communism Are Similar Because They Both Oppose Capitalis

Socialism and Communism are similar because they both oppose Capitalism. Both ideologies emphasize the importance of addressing people's needs over profit-driven motives, contrasting sharply with the capitalistic focus on money and individual wealth accumulation. Karl Marx, a central figure in the development of these ideologies, believed that the working class, or proletariat, sought to overthrow the aristocratic ruling class through revolution, which would eventually lead to a classless society (Shubert & Goldstein, 2012).

Socialism emerged from the desire to transform private property into collective ownership, aiming to distribute resources more equitably among society. Cam and Kayaoglu (2015) describe socialism as the process of converting private property into common property shared by the whole society, laying the groundwork for a more egalitarian social order. This stage was considered a transitional phase toward full communism, according to Marx's philosophy. The primary goal was to eliminate class distinctions by removing private ownership of productive assets, thereby reducing socioeconomic inequalities.

However, Marx posited that pure communism would be a more advanced stage, where goods and resources are distributed according to need rather than labor contribution. Marx argued that under communism, individuals would be given a fixed share of production, regardless of their personal labor input, fostering true equality and eliminating class-based distinctions (Shubert & Goldstein, 2012). Once the influence of capitalist ideas is fully dismantled, society would enjoy greater freedom without social classes, enabling individuals to pursue their interests without economic constraint.

The rise of socialism and communism was closely linked to the labor movement, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Labor unions, some affiliated with socialist political parties, organized strikes to demand better wages and working conditions. Others subscribed to syndicalism, which advocated for revolutionary change through direct action by unions (Shubert & Goldstein, 2012). These strikes often resulted in social unrest and government intervention, especially in European societies where economic disparities and poor working conditions persisted.

European societies were increasingly attracted to socialist and communist ideologies, especially following the upheavals of the French Revolution, which promoted ideals of freedom and equality. Many Europeans believed that these ideologies offered a pathway to more just and equitable societies, contrasting sharply with the inequalities perpetuated by capitalism. The influence of socialist and communist ideas extended beyond domestic policies; notably, during World War I, revolutionary sentiments and socialist movements played significant roles. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, often linked to socialist and nationalist groups in Bosnia, sparked the conflict—sometimes referred to as the "shot heard around the world"—highlighting the political tensions fueled by revolutionary ideologies (Shubert & Goldstein, 2012).

Communism also impacted the end of World War I through the actions of Vladimir Lenin, who established a communist regime in Russia. Lenin's leadership led to the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which overthrew the provisional government and established the Soviet Union. Lenin negotiated a treaty with Germany, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, taking Russia out of the war and consolidating communist power (Cam & Kayaoglu, 2015). This marked a significant geopolitical shift, demonstrating the influence of communist ideology on global events. The Soviet Union became a symbol of the potential for a classless society, inspiring communist movements worldwide.

In conclusion, socialism and communism share core principles that challenge capitalist structures by promoting equality, collective ownership, and social justice. Their development was rooted in labor movements and revolutionary ideologies that sought to transform society. While socialism served as a transitional phase, communism aimed at establishing a stateless, classless society. Historically, these ideologies have influenced major socio-political transformations, including European revolutions and the formation of the Soviet Union, leaving a lasting impact on global history.

References

• Cam, T., & Kayaoglu, M. (2015). Marx’s distinction between socialism and communism. International Journal of Human Sciences, 12(1), 388. https://doi.org/10.14687/ijhs.v12i1.3152
• Shubert, A., & Goldstein, R. J. (2012). Twentieth-century Europe. Retrieved from [source URL]