Definition of Communism

Quick Summary

• Communism means government ownership of all economic resources and means of production
• Founded on ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century
• No private property allowed – everything belongs to the state or community
• Communist countries included Soviet Union, China, Cuba, North Korea, and Vietnam
• Different from socialism (which allows some private ownership) and capitalism (which is based on private ownership)

Origin and History of Communism

Communism as a political theory was developed by two German philosophers, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. In 1848, they wrote a famous book called “The Communist Manifesto.” Marx later expanded these ideas in his book “Das Kapital” published in 1867.

Marx and Engels lived during the Industrial Revolution in Europe. They saw factory workers suffering in terrible conditions while factory owners became very rich. This inequality made them think that capitalism was unfair. They believed workers created all the wealth but received only small wages, while owners kept most profits.

The first communist government came to power in Russia in 1917 after the Bolshevik Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin. Russia became the Soviet Union (USSR) in 1922. After World War II, communism spread to Eastern Europe, China (1949), North Korea (1948), Cuba (1959), and Vietnam (1975).

Core Features of Communism

1. Public Ownership of Property

In communist systems, the government owns all major resources. This includes factories, farms, mines, banks, shops, and land. Individual citizens cannot own businesses or rent out property for profit. Everything belongs to “the people” collectively, but the government manages it.

For example, in the Soviet Union, all farms were collectivized. Individual farmers had to give up their land and join collective farms called “kolkhoz.” The government decided what crops to plant, how much to produce, and where to send the harvest.

2. Centrally Planned Economy

Communist governments create detailed economic plans, usually for five-year periods. Government planners decide what goods to produce, how much to make, what prices to charge, and where to distribute products. This is different from capitalist systems where private companies make these decisions based on market demand.

In China during the 1950s and 1960s, the government’s Five-Year Plans determined everything from steel production targets to the number of bicycles manufactured. If you wanted to start a business or change jobs, you needed government permission.

3. Abolition of Social Classes

Communist theory aims to eliminate class distinctions between rich and poor. Marx identified two main classes under capitalism: the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers). Communism seeks to create a classless society where no one is richer or more powerful than others.

In practice, however, communist countries developed their own class systems. Communist Party leaders and government officials often enjoyed privileges that ordinary citizens did not have, such as better housing, access to special stores, and foreign travel opportunities.

4. One-Party Rule

Communist countries are typically governed by a single political party – the Communist Party. Other political parties are banned or severely restricted. The Communist Party controls the government, military, police, courts, media, and education system.

In the Soviet Union, the Communist Party controlled all aspects of life. Citizens could not criticize the government publicly. Those who opposed the system were arrested and sent to labor camps called “gulags.” China’s Communist Party maintains similar control today.

5. No Private Business

Citizens cannot own private businesses or employ workers for profit. The government assigns people to jobs and pays them wages. Everyone is supposed to work for the collective good, not personal profit.

In Cuba, after Fidel Castro took power in 1959, the government seized private businesses, including American-owned sugar plantations and factories. The state took over all major industries. Only recently has Cuba allowed some small private businesses.

6. Equal Distribution of Wealth

Communist theory follows the principle: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” This means everyone should work according to their abilities, and receive goods and services based on what they need, not how much they earn.

In practice, this meant that doctors, teachers, factory workers, and street cleaners often earned similar salaries in communist countries. The government provided free housing, healthcare, and education, but consumer goods were often scarce.

Comparison: Communism vs Socialism vs Capitalism

Feature	Communism	Socialism	Capitalism
Property Ownership	All owned by state	Major industries state-owned, some private property allowed	Private ownership encouraged
Economic Planning	Completely centralized	Mixed (government and market)	Free market determines production
Political System	One-party dictatorship	Can be democratic or authoritarian	Usually democratic
Wealth Distribution	Equal for everyone	Reduced inequality through welfare	Based on market success
Examples	Soviet Union (1922-1991), Cuba, North Korea	Sweden, Norway, Denmark	United States, Britain, Nigeria

Communism in Practice: Examples

Soviet Union (1922-1991)

The USSR was the first and largest communist state. The government controlled all factories, farms, shops, and resources. Citizens received free healthcare and education, but faced shortages of food, clothing, and consumer goods. The government strictly controlled information and banned opposition parties.

The Soviet system collapsed in 1991 due to economic problems, political repression, and desire for freedom among citizens. Russia and other former Soviet republics abandoned communism and moved toward capitalism.

China (1949-present)

China became communist in 1949 under Mao Zedong. The government collectivized farms and nationalized industries. Mao’s policies, particularly the “Great Leap Forward” (1958-1962), caused massive famine that killed millions.

Since 1978, China has reformed its economy under “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” The government still controls key industries, but allows private businesses, foreign investment, and market competition. China calls itself communist but operates a mixed economy.

Cuba (1959-present)

Fidel Castro established a communist government in Cuba after overthrowing dictator Fulgencio Batista. The government provides free healthcare and education, achieving high literacy rates. However, most Cubans live in poverty with limited access to consumer goods. The US imposed an economic embargo that worsened shortages.

In recent years, Cuba has allowed some small private businesses, but the Communist Party maintains political control.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Communism

Claimed Advantages

• Economic equality: Reduces gap between rich and poor
• Universal services: Free healthcare, education, and housing for all
• No unemployment: Government guarantees jobs for everyone
• Economic planning: Prevents wasteful competition and economic crises
• Social security: Government takes care of elderly, sick, and disabled

Disadvantages in Practice

• Limited freedom: No freedom of speech, press, or political opposition
• Economic inefficiency: Lack of competition leads to poor quality goods and services
• Shortages: Centrally planned economies often fail to meet citizens’ needs
• No incentive to work hard: Since everyone earns similar wages, people lack motivation to excel
• Government corruption: Communist Party officials often abuse power and enjoy privileges
• Suppression of innovation: Lack of private ownership discourages creativity and entrepreneurship

Nigeria and Communism

Nigeria has never adopted communism. After independence in 1960, Nigeria chose a mixed economy with both government and private businesses. During the Cold War, Nigeria maintained a non-aligned foreign policy, having relations with both communist and capitalist countries.

Some Nigerian leaders admired certain aspects of socialism, such as government involvement in key industries. For example, the government created NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation) to control oil resources. However, Nigeria remained fundamentally capitalist, allowing private property and business ownership.

Today, Nigeria operates a market economy with democratic government, the opposite of communism’s centrally planned economy and one-party rule.

Common Exam Mistakes

Students often make these errors when answering questions about communism:

• Confusing communism with socialism: These are different. Communism means total government ownership. Socialism allows some private property while government controls major industries. Sweden is socialist, not communist.
• Saying “communism is bad” without explanation: WAEC wants analysis, not opinions. Explain specific features like one-party rule or central planning, then discuss their effects.
• Forgetting Karl Marx: Always mention that Marx developed communist theory. Don’t confuse him with Lenin (who implemented communism in Russia).
• Writing that all communist countries are the same: China today is very different from Soviet Union or North Korea. Mention specific examples and differences.
• Poor definition: Don’t just say “communism is when government controls everything.” Specify that government owns means of production and distributes resources based on need.

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is considered the founder of communist theory?
a) Vladimir Lenin
b) Joseph Stalin
c) Karl Marx ✓
d) Mao Zedong

2. In a communist system, who owns the means of production?
a) Private individuals
b) Foreign investors
c) The state or government ✓
d) Religious organizations

3. Which of the following is NOT a feature of communism?
a) Public ownership of property
b) Centrally planned economy
c) Multi-party democracy ✓
d) Abolition of social classes

4. The first country to establish a communist government was:
a) China
b) Russia (Soviet Union) ✓
c) Cuba
d) Vietnam

5. The principle “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” is associated with:
a) Capitalism
b) Communism ✓
c) Feudalism
d) Democracy

Essay Questions

1. Define communism and explain five main features of a communist system. (15 marks)

Examiner’s tip: Start with a clear definition (2-3 sentences). Then write one paragraph for each feature: public ownership, central planning, classless society, one-party rule, and equal distribution. Use specific examples from countries like Soviet Union or China.

2. Compare and contrast communism with capitalism. (12 marks)

Examiner’s tip: Make a table or write in compare-contrast format. Cover ownership (state vs private), economic system (planned vs market), political system (one-party vs multi-party), and distribution of wealth. Give examples of countries for each system.

3. Discuss four reasons why many communist governments collapsed in the late 20th century. (10 marks)

Examiner’s tip: Focus on Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 and Eastern European changes. Mention economic inefficiency, lack of political freedom, inability to compete with Western technology, and desire for democracy. Write one well-developed paragraph per reason.

4. Explain the difference between communism and socialism. (8 marks)

Examiner’s tip: Define both clearly. Main difference: communism = total state ownership; socialism = state owns major industries but allows some private property. Mention that socialist countries can be democratic (Sweden) while communist countries are usually one-party states.

Memory Aids

Remember key features with “COCONUT”:

• Centrally planned economy
• One-party rule
• Classless society (goal)
• Ownership by state (all property)
• No private business
• Universal equality (everyone equal)
• Total government control

Remember the founders: “Marx Made Communist Manifesto” – Karl Marx (with Engels) wrote “The Communist Manifesto” in 1848.

Major communist countries timeline:

• 1917 – Russia (Soviet Union from 1922)
• 1949 – China
• 1959 – Cuba

Difference from socialism: Think “Communism is Complete control; Socialism is Shared control.”