20th Century Revolutions Mexico, Russia, China, and Cuba

Recap Ideologies

Totalitarianism Totalitarian forms of government are found at the extreme ends of the political spectrum on both the right and the left. The state exercises total control in this form of government. In a totalitarian regime the individual exists to serve the state. Totalitarian Democratic Totalitarian

The Left Side The political beliefs of the left side of the spectrum support economic equality and change or progress in society The extreme left is associated with Communism Socialism and the Social Democratic parties are located on the left inside the circle Communism Socialism

Communism Karl Marx wrote the ‘Communist Manifesto’ in which he indicated that economic equality would only be achieved after a violent revolution. Marx believed that the working people or proletariat would take power from their capitalist masters. Socialism The socialists, also, believe in economic equality but only if it can be achieved through the ballot box.

The Right Side Political beliefs on the right side of the line support tradition and oppose change in society. The extreme right is associated with Fascism. Because the beliefs of conservatism and liberalism are democratic they are located inside the circle.

Fascism Fascism as a political ideology began in Italy in 1922 with the regime of Benito Mussolini. In Germany the National Socialist Party led by Hitler came to power in 1933. This was a backward looking political philosophy which stressed militarism and racial purity.

Compare and contrast 20th century revolutions to 18th/19th century revolutions Not based on Enlightenment ideas but rather socialism and communism. The end result was NOT democracy for all but rather improvements to society. Leaders were still mostly “intellectuals” Geared less to the middle class and more to the peasants and proletariat. Revolutions tend to be more violent, repressive, and use a great deal of technology.

Mexican Revolution Date: 1911-1928 Leaders: Madero, Pancho Villa, Zapata, Carranza Philosophy: Socialism (land reform) Reasons for revolt: Unequal land distribution Powerful church Workers’ rights

“It is better to die on my feet than continue living on my knees” –Emiliano Zapata Francisco “Pancho” Villa Emiliano Zapata

Mexican Revolution Effects: Political: PRI, dictator (one party rule), and stability Social: Equality for men, limited legal rights for women, state controls church. Economic: Land reform and workers rights

Russia Date: 1917 Leaders: Lenin, Trotsky, Kerensky, and Stalin Philosophy: Communism (more emphasis on the proletariat) Reasons for revolt: Military defeats Land reform for peasants Oppressive Czar Workers rights

“One man with a gun can control 100 without one. ” -Vladimir Lenin Josef Stalin and Valdimir Lenin Czar Nicholas II, Czarina Alexandria, Czarevich Alexi, Tatiana, Olga, Marie, and Anastasia

Rasputin

Russia Effects: Political: Civil war and left WWI Social: Workers and peasants gain power. Economic: Command economy, no private property, and industrialization.

China Date: 1949 (although the May Fourth Movement in 1919 began the anti-western feelings when demonstrations were held against the Treaty of Versailles and foreigners) Leader: Mao Zedong (Communist) vs. Chiang Kai-shek (Nationalist) Philosophy: Communism Reasons for revolt: Communist ideology, peasant revolt, and land reform

Mao Zedong (Chairman Mao) “Classes struggle, some classes triumph, others are eliminated. Such is history; such is the history of civilization for thousands of years.” -Mao Zedong Mao Zedong (Chairman Mao) Chiang Kai-shek

China Effects: Political: Dictatorship and the defeat of the nationalists. Social: “Equality” of classes. Economic: Collective farms. The Communist were forced to make the Long March (6,000 miles) to evade nationalist troops The Chinese civil war was suspended when the Japanese invaded in 1937.

Cuba Date: 1959 Leader: Fidel Castro Philosophy: Communism Reason for revolt: Resentment over the dictatorship of Batista.

“A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past.” -Fidel Castro Batista Fidel Castro

Cuba Effects: Political: Harsh dictatorship Social: Literacy, healthcare, and limited press Economic: The economy improves temporarily.