1. Marxism
Mr. Parker
IBH2

2. Classic Marxism A theory designed to explain the evolution of society.
Focussed on the role of economics and material determinism.
Argued that the transition from Capitalism to Socialism is an inevitable part of human society.
Founded on the belief that a socialist society would be the better for the majority of society.
Divided society into classes – the proletariat (workers who sell their labour) and the bourgeoisie (buyers/exploiters of labour.)

3. Marxism-Leninism Extended the beliefs of Marxism
Largest trend within Marxist thought.
Also known as Bolshevism and Communism
Implemented by Stalin after he death of Lenin
Lenin believed that it was necessary to “speed” the evolutionary process along through revolution.
The inevitable transformation of society into a socialist republic through the leadership of a revolutionary vanguard.

4. Major tenets
Revolutionary vanguard of the proletariat – professional revolutionaries.
One party state – dictatorship of the proletariat.
Democratic Centralism – “diversity in discussion, unity in action.”
State control of the economy
Opposition to capitalism
Opposition to bourgeois democracy
Internationalist – proletariat to ally with oppressed minorities and marginalized groups.
Social goals – universal social welfare – an educated proletariat.
Economic goals – efficiency and scientific planning – not market forces.
Industrialisation
Agricultural and land reform.

5. MAOISM
Marxism-Leninism applied in a Chinese context.
Four periods

6. Evolution of Maoism 1920-1926 – Classic Marxism
Drew on classic Marxist thought
Industrialisation and urbanisation.

7. 1927-1935 – Revolutionary and Counter Revolutionary
In this period Mao moved away from classic Marxism
Embraced Revolutionary thought
Focussed on struggle between the CCP and the GMD

8. Recognition that classic Marxism would not work in China
Maturation
Recognition that classic Marxism would not work in China
There was no industrial class and the cities belonged to the GMD
Move away from the Soviet model
Rejection of Stalin
Included Nationalism and appeal to the Peasantry

9. 1940-1949 – Revolutionary Practice
Developed during the Sino-Japanese War and the Civil War
Focussed on Nationalism and Peasant revolution
Mao’s focus on nationalism ran against classical Marxist thought
Mao recognised that an appeal for a strong nation would gain the CCP support.
He used the CCP’s successes against the Japanese, real and imagined to bolster the national appeal of CCP.
Focus on peasant revolution brought him into conflict with Stalin.
Peasants were the future - their concerns were legitimate.
Promise of economic development - land reform, social policies - education and women’s rights.