Socialism and communism are two similar political systems. The similarities are that both systems are based on public ownership of the means of production and centralised planning. This basically means that all businesses owned by individuals are not held under the names of individual members, they are owned cooperatively by the government. Thus, all resources of producing and distributing goods are owned by a centralised government that controls the economy. They make decisions of what and how much should be produced annually, what the prices should be and how much workers are to be paid. The main aim of both systems is to create an equal society, where all power and wealth are shared equally among everyone. Though, …show more content…
communism and socialism have similarities, they also have differences, since, they are not the same. The terms socialism and communism once had equivalent meaning. Communism is a form of socialism, but is more of an extreme form. Socialism is democratic; everybody has the right to contribute to social choices on how resources and wealth should be used. Furthermore, everybody is permitted to have free access to the goods and services and all work is performed on a voluntary basis. Unlike Socialism, Communism not only controls the economy, but all areas of the society. In communism, all members of the economy share both work and benefits. Socialism and Communism was originally put forward by Karl Marx. One country that purports to employ communism today is China.
Joseph Stalin was one of the most powerful communist dictators in history.
From 1927 to 1953, he was the head of the communist party and also the leader of the Soviet Union (USSR). Throughout the Russian Revolution, Stalin assisted Russia, turn from one of the most undeveloped nations into one of the most industrialised countries. He overpowered Hitler in WWII and established the Communist regimes throughout Eastern Europe. While Stalin was in power, Russia became more dominant and strong. Though Stalin was a great leader, he caused the deaths and suffering of tens of millions of people. He practically ruled through terror and power. Stalin collectivised farms. It involved the government owing and being in control of all farms. As a part of this system, the farmers were required to hand over a certain amount of production to the state each year. Stalin had very little concern for the lives of the people. He forced Russian citizens into labor camps and those who were of threat to him or opposed, were killed. Stalin’s main aim was to industrialise Russia. He set up a five year plan to limit production of consumer goods, but instead, invest in state-owned mines, industries, railroads and energy resources. Furthermore, he helped Soviet Union become more concerned in international affairs. Consequently, the military strengthened and became much
stronger.