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History Extra podcast

Communism: everything you wanted to know

Sep 28, 2024
Maurice J Casey, a historian specializing in communism and author of "Hotel Lux," dives into the intriguing world of this revolutionary ideology. He discusses the journey from the impactful 1848 Communist Manifesto to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Casey highlights the motivations of marginalized groups within the movement and contrasts ancient communal practices with modern interpretations. He also unpacks misconceptions in American discourse about communism. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of Bolshevism and the relevance of these ideologies in today's society.
50:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Communism emerged as a vision for shared resources and equality, shaped significantly by historical events like the October Revolution of 1917.
  • Misconceptions about early communists overlook the diverse motivations for joining the movement, especially among marginalized groups seeking social justice.

Deep dives

The Essence of Communism

Communism is understood not merely as a set of ideas but as a vision for a future where resources are shared and humanity works cooperatively toward equality. The origins of communism as an ideology trace back to ancient societies, such as the communal living of the Celts, but it gained modern prominence during the 19th century shaped by significant historical events. The October Revolution of 1917 marked a pivotal moment that refracted the various communist ideologies into a singular image of communism, which has since influenced how the ideology is perceived in the contemporary world. This transformation of communism reflects both its historical roots and the ways in which it evolved to address the needs and aspirations of differing social classes.

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