1. Marx: The Father of Communism  He believed that economics determined whether a society rose or fell  His ideas are based off of socialism  As Marx saw it, Communism is a social system marked by the common ownership of the means of production and common sharing of labor and products

2. “Only through the radical reorganization of economic relationships within a society can true justice and an end to human misery be achieved.”

3. Marx’s Theory of Communism How does a capitalist society become a communist society?

4. From capitalist to communist Workers Revolution – proletariat must rise up and overthrow the bourgeoisie 1 st Stage of Communism – transitional phase Dictatorship of the Proletariat Period of authoritarian rule where the state would represent and enforce the interests of the masses No private ownership Implement a heavy tax Centralize communication, transportation, and banks Provide free education for all children

5. So in theory… No private property or division of labor No social inequality No armed conflict The elimination of social inequality No armed conflict No need for the state/government

6. 2 nd Stage of Communism  Marx realized that Communism could not be achieved right after Revolution.  Once Stage One was fulfilled, Marx’s true goal could be realized:  2 nd Stage of Communism – A CLASSLESS SOCIETY Without social classes, government will disappear because it becomes obsolete!

7. So the question remains….. Were the Bolsheviks (Soviets), who were inspired by Marx, able to carry out his theory?

8. The definition of Communism as applied by authoritarian governments Communism is a system of government in which the state controls the means of production and a single party holds power with the intention of establishing a social order in which all goods are shared equally How does the definition of Marx’s theory of communism contrast with this definition?