Fanaticism Fuels Revolutionary Success

Communist civil wars are often won by small, fanatical groups due to their intense commitment and willingness to employ ruthless tactics. Despite being a minority, these groups, comprising less than 3% of the population in countries like Russia, China, and Cuba, demonstrate a strong sense of cohesion that enables them to seize control. The early leaders of these revolutions are typically intellectuals, but as revolutions succeed, power shifts to individuals with criminal backgrounds, highlighting the complex dynamics of revolutionary movements.

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In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the brutal cost of communist ideology, from mass killings to cultural destruction, and the psychological motivations driving its appeal. From Marx to Mao, explore the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of communism, its impact on history, and its surprising influence today.

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