Communism: A Very Short IntroductionOUP Oxford, 2009 M08 27 - 176 pages The collapse of communism was one of the most defining moments of the twentieth century. At its peak, more than a third of the world's population had lived under communist power. What is communism? Where did the idea come from and what attracted people to it? What is the future for communism? This Very Short Introduction considers these questions and more in the search to explore and understand communism. Explaining the theory behind its ideology, and examining the history and mindset behind its political, economic and social structures, Leslie Holmes examines the highs and lows of communist power and its future in today's world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
Contents
1 | |
2 A brief history of communism in power | 17 |
3 The political system of communism | 52 |
4 The economic system of communism | 69 |
5 Social policies and structures of communism | 85 |
6 Communisms international allegiances | 102 |
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Common terms and phrases
according achieved adopted approach argued attempts authorities basic became become believed called capitalism central century challenge China Chinese citizens claimed clear collapse Communism Communist party Communist power Communist systems Communist world considered countries critical Czechoslovakia death democracy early East Eastern Europe economic elections emerged empire established European example existing expected fact final formally Germany Given Gorbachev growth Hungary important increased increasingly industrial initially invasion involved largely late leader leadership legitimation Lenin less lived major Marx Marxist means military Moreover Moscow move organization Pact particularly Poland political population position practice Press problems production rates reasons relations result Revolution revolutionary role rule Russian significant signs situation socialism socialist society sometimes soon Soviet Union Stalin tensions term theory University USSR usually Vietnam Warsaw West Western workers Yugoslavia