Communism: Political System, Economic Theory, and Historical Impact
Communism
Communism is a political and economic system.
It’s defined as a system of government in which resources – such as mines, factories and farms – are owned by the whole population.Wealth is divided among citizens equally.Labor isshared equally as well.In this essay, we will focus on why the concept of Communism gained such popularity between different political parties across the world.
The idea of modern communism originated from the industrial revolution in Great Britain
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Autarky, Crisis, and the Path to Democracy
Spain’s Autarkic Economy Under Franco (1939-1959)
The subsistence autarkic economy was an economic system implemented in Spain during the early years of Franco’s regime. It aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and minimizing reliance on foreign imports. This period was characterized by state control and isolation.
Causes of the Autarkic Economy
Destruction from the Spanish Civil War
The Civil War devastated Spain’s infrastructure, industry, and agriculture. Economic output declined sharply, and the
Hitler’s Ascent: The Nazi Transformation of Germany
The Rise of Nazism and Hitler’s Early Years
The Nazi Party, an extreme nationalist right-wing movement, was led by Adolf Hitler. The Nazis attempted a failed coup, leading to Hitler’s imprisonment. The party advocated racism, antisemitism, expansionism, and a deep hatred of socialism and communism. The Nazi Party was best known for the violence of its Sturmabteilung (SA) assaults against communist sections. Following an economic crisis, many members of the middle class joined the Nazis.
Hitler’s Ascent
Read MoreWorld War I: Origins, Major Battles, and Trench Life
The First World War: A Global Conflict (1914-1918)
The First World War, a global conflict from 1914 to 1918, primarily unfolded in Europe but drew in nations from other continents. It stands as one of history’s deadliest conflicts, resulting in over 16 million deaths and more than 20 million wounded.
The conflict ignited with the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo by a member of the Serbian nationalist group, the Black Hand. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia,
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: Political Polarization and Economic Strife
Aftermath of the October 1934 Revolution
- Asturias: 1,500 deaths
- Catalonia: 80 deaths
Following the uprising, President Lluís Companys and his government were imprisoned for 30 years. The Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia and the Generalitat were suspended.
Political Landscape in 1935
In 1935, the government of Alejandro Lerroux was replaced by a cabinet influenced by Gil Robles (CEDA).
President Niceto Alcalá Zamora, disapproving of this change, did not accept the new government and called for new elections
Read MoreSpain’s 1917 Crisis and Political Breakdown
The 1917 Crisis in Spain
Military Discontent and Juntas
The strong discontent among the military, which opposed official excesses, led to the formation of so-called Juntas de Defensa (Defense Juntas). These juntas, originating in Barcelona and spreading through most peninsular garrisons, demanded pay rises and promotions. They opposed the existing promotion system, claiming seniority as the sole criterion for advancement. Their manifesto of June 1917 called for political renewal.