Communist Art

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Communism — the idea that people should share their wealth and economic gains equally — goes way, way back in history.

It wasn't until the mid-1800s, however, that it became crystallized as a revolutionary idea. Karl Marx gave the idea a great boost with his works The Communist Manifesto and later, Das Kapital.

It was the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917, led by Vladimir Lenin, however, that got the communist ball rolling.

Take a brief look at the events and ideas that shaped the communist movements of the 20^th century.

As you watch the video below, listen for the answers to the following questions.

• What were conditions like for common Russians at the time?
• What political system were they living under before the revolution?
• Who were the important figures in the events leading up to the revolution?
• What social, political, and economic problems led to the revolution?

Now, read Of Russian origin: Marxism-Leninism. As you read, write down the five or six most important ideas held by the Marxist-Leninists who led the Bolshevik Revolution.

Reflect on these questions.

• Why do revolutions occur?
• What role do ideas play in revolutions?
• Why did revolution occur in Russia when it did?

Books are not the only place to find ideas.

For the people of Russia of the early 20^th Century, as at many points in history, books were scarce, and literacy was low. Political and other ideas can be transmitted in many other ways, including art.

Carry on to the Got It? section to analyze some samples of this art.