Soviet+Leaders

Charles Ensley

Marxism

Karl Marx – Father of communism, believed in equality among all people and a classless society. Believed in equal division of land and grain. His original idea of communism was not bad, but it was distorted by power-hungry leaders that succeeded him.

Lenin – Claimed to follow Marxist ideas but manipulated his way into power through the Bolshevik party and attacked all political opposition, never upheld Marxist beliefs. War Communism, New Economic Policy – Utilized in order to regain strength in their economy, never fully worked.

Stalin – Succeeded Lenin. Used extreme propaganda to manipulate the minds of his citizens into feeling like their lives were okay, but in reality their food and quality of life was dwindling. Used several five-year plans to improve economy, didn't follow Marxist principles.

Propaganda – Used by the Soviet leaders to maintain an image that was not consistent with their actions. Example: Stalin posing with little girl.

Collectivization – Grouped large masses of farms together and took large amounts of grain from the peasants. Kulaks – wealthy peasants who opposed collectivization because they felt cheated.

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