American government systems and institutions

Business Law

The idea of socialism began to form as early as the 16th century when the Humanist movement pushed ideas such as equality and democracy. Although at this time it was not known as Socialism, the ideas that informed the creation of Socialism were beginning to happen. The French Revolution in 1789 was an early catalyst for the Socialist movement, the major changes that happened during the French Revolution paving the way for social democracies and ideologies. As a political movement, Socialism didn't begin until the late 1800's when, in 1848, Karl Marx and Frederick Engels published "The Communist Manifesto." Soon after the publication, social democratic parties began to appear throughout the European continent. These parties drew many of their views and ideas from "The Communist Manifesto."

Karl Marx is regarded as one of the architects of Socialism. His early writings insinuated that the view Individuals took of their standing in life came from their place in society's hierarchy. During the Industrial Revolution, Marx put forth the idea that the industrial proletariat had a better economic and social standing due to the strength of the industrial economy. In later writings, Marx suggested that Capitalism would eventually be the cause of its own downfall due to the amount of internal contradictions within its ideals. Although Karl Marx never got to see the realization of his ideals, his impact on political debate was such that it facilitated the development of an organized labor movement. Since Marxism came to the fore in the late 1800's, it has influenced a wide range of groups and associations throughout Europe. More evolutionary than revolutionary, the Marxist ideals have become the fundamentals of many diverse movements across the globe. Although many of these movements may have different the goals, the view that wider economic and social restraints are necessary for the human race to achieve fulfillment is a shared one.

Question 2:

Born in Russia in 1870, Vladimir Lenin is another principle architect in the Socialist movement. Raised in a middle class family, a set of high family values were instilled into Lenin and his siblings. Educated about the problems in their society, the Lenin children were taught to attain higher ideals and fight for equal rights. In 1887, at Kazan University, Lenin read the works of Karl Marx. This combined with several family tragedies, including the banishment of his sister from Kazan, transformed Lenin into a radical revolutionary. Unlike Marx, who believed that the proletariat would gain social standing through the social and economic changes in capitalism, Lenin had a different belief. He believed that the only way the proletariat could achieve the standing they deserved was through a communist party leading the revolution. He also believed that communism was needed in other countries for his vision to succeed. Lenin also stated that Marx had failed to consider the effects Imperialism had on society and that Imperialism's exploitation of resources in captured colonies was the highest form of Capitalism.

One of the key differences between Lenin and Marx was their standpoints on socialism. Marx believed a country had to have had an industrial revolution before a socialist movement could be established. Lenin did not hold the same view and was strong in his belief that socialism could be established just as effectively in a country that was still yet to have such a revolution. When Lenin's Bolshevik Revolution occurred, Russia was primarily an agricultural country with many of its people being little more than poor agricultural workers. There was little sign of an impending industrial revolution.

When Lenin came into power and held the position of head of government, he began to implement some of his socialist ideologies. In 1918, the Russian Constituent Assembly was dissolved and enabled the Bolsheviks to consolidate their political power. Prior to this consolidation, in 1917 the Cheka was formed. Created to defend the Russian Revolution, the Cheka began to clamp down on voices opposed to the Bolshevik party, taking control of newspaper content and ensuring no defamatory articles were written about the Cheka. As was always his intention, Lenin sought to introduce the world to his revolutionary ideas and in 1923 he looked to the Third World as the focus of his revolution. He praised China's socialist values and the Kuomintang nationalist party led by Dr. Sun Yatsen, which was built on the ideals of Leninism. With the focus now on India, China and Russia, Lenin was confident that with a majority of the world's populace in these three countries, that his ideal for an international communist revolution would be realized.

Question 3:

As the planet's natural resources continue to be harvested at an alarming rate and climate change becomes a reality, countries are collaborating on a global scale to find ways to solve environmental problems. When natural disasters strike, as they did in Haiti in 2010, many first world countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom work together in organizing redevelopment, health care and emergency measures to enable the country to rebuild. However, in less urgent situations, collaborations can be fraught with tension and can often lose sight of their original goal. For example, in the United States and neighboring Mexico, environmental issues can take a while to be resolved as each step has to pass through governing bodies and relevant associations beforehand. However, through dialog and a continued development of the international relationship, Mexico and the United States are able to come up with working resolutions.