Part 1 One Page Onlyrequired Resourcesreadreview The Following Resou ✓ Solved
Part 1: one page only Required Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity: · Textbook: Chapter 4, 5, 6 · Lesson · Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook) Initial Post Instructions For the initial post, select and address one of the following: · Option 1: Examine Marx's writings on communism and socialism and compare them to how they manifested in reality? What worked and what didn't? What misconceptions do we have about his original intent based on what we see in past or current governments? · Option 2: Compare and contrast communism and fascism. Select one example for each to examine the origins of the governments, their accomplishments, and their failures.
What accounts for the fact that the masses mobilized to support these movements? Elaborate. · Option 3: Examine Depression-Era social programs (select one or more to examine in detail). Were the fears of a communist take-over based on the implementation of these programs grounded in reality? Why or why not? How do they compare to social programs in place today?
Follow-Up Post Instructions Respond to at least one peer. At least one of your responses should be to a peer who chose an option different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification. Writing Requirements · Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up) · Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source) · APA format for in-text citations and list of references Part 2 Required Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity: · Textbook: Chapter 4, 5, 6 · Lesson · Link (video): Benito Mussolini (Links to an external site.) (53:48) · Minimum of 2 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook) Instructions Watch the entire video on Benito Mussolini (noted in the Required Resources).
Identify and describe 3 aspects of the video you found most interesting that align with each of the following: 1. Foreign policy. 2. Violent and/or non-violent movements for social, economic, and political change 3. Governmental authority/loss of personal liberties Conduct additional research to provide an analysis of those 3 aspects.
What information did you find that the video left out? How did the video enhance your understanding of those aspects? Writing Requirements (APA format) · Length: 2-3 pages (not including title page or references page) · 1-inch margins · Double spaced · 12-point Times New Roman font · Title page · References page Grading This activity will be graded using the W2 Essay Grading Rubric. Course Outcomes (CO): 1, 3, 4, 5 Due Date: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday Reference Stevenson, M. (Director), & Cameron, P. (Producer). (2018).
Benito Mussolini [Video]. Public Broadcasting Service. Academic Video Online. Rubric Week 2 Essay Grading Rubric Week 2 Essay Grading Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLength 5 pts Meets length requirement 0 pts Does not meet length requirement 5 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent 10 pts Paper addresses all aspects of the assignment. 8.5 pts Paper addresses most aspects of the assignment.
7.5 pts Paper addresses some aspects of the assignment. 6 pts Paper addresses few aspects of the assignment. 0 pts No effort 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAnalysis 20 pts Throughout the whole work, content expresses original thoughts or interprets the subject matter in a different perspective. 17 pts Throughout most of the work, content expresses original thoughts or interprets the subject matter in a different perspective. 15 pts Throughout some of the work, content expresses original thoughts or interprets the subject matter in a different perspective.
12 pts Throughout little of the work, content expresses original thoughts or interprets the subject matter in a different perspective. 0 pts No effort 20 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSupport 20 pts Throughout the whole work, claims are supported with detailed and persuasive examples; accurate facts and circumstances are used for support. 17 pts Throughout most of the work, claims are supported with detailed and persuasive examples; accurate facts and circumstances are used for support. 15 pts Throughout some of the work, claims are supported with detailed and persuasive examples; accurate facts and circumstances are used for support. 12 pts Throughout little of the work, claims are supported with detailed and persuasive examples; accurate facts and circumstances are used for support.
0 pts No effort 20 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting: Mechanics & Usage 10 pts The writing is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that would detract from a clear reading of the paper. 8.5 pts The writing contains a few errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but the errors do not detract from a clear reading of the text. 7.5 pts The writing contains some errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that need to be addressed for a clearer reading of the paper. 6 pts The writing contains several errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that impede a clear reading of the paper. 0 pts No effort 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity & Flow 10 pts The writing contains strong word choice that clarifies ideas and masterful sentence variety aids with the flow of ideas.
8.5 pts The writing contains varied word choice and sentence structures that clarify ideas and aid with the flow of ideas. 7.5 pts The writing contains word choice and sentence structures that can be revised for better clarification of ideas and flow of ideas. 6 pts The writing contains wording and sentence structures that are awkward and/or unclear, impeding the clarity and flow of ideas. 0 pts No effort 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSource Integration 10 pts Paper includes reference to 2 scholarly sources and properly integrates the sources. 7 pts Paper includes reference to 2 scholarly sources but does not properly integrate the sources.
0 pts Paper does not make reference to a scholarly sources. 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA: Citation and Reference Formatting 10 pts All sources are properly cited in the text and references page demonstrating a mastery of resource and APA citation reference format. 8.5 pts Most sources are cited in the text and references page. Some minor errors may exist in citation, but it does not interfere with understanding the source of the information. 7.5 pts Most sources are integrated, structured, and cited in the text and references page.
Some errors may exist in citation that need to be addressed to clarify the source of information. 6 pts Sources are not properly cited in the text/references page. Formatting contains several errors that suggest a lack of understanding of APA format. 0 pts Sources are not cited. 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Paper Format 5 pts Paper is properly formatted in APA style throughout (i.e. title page, spacing, font, in-text citations and references).
4 pts Paper is mostly properly formatted in APA style (i.e. title page, spacing, font, in-text citations and references). 3 pts Paper is somewhat properly formatted in APA style (i.e. title page, spacing, font, in-text citations and references). 2 pts Paper is improperly formatted in APA style throughout. 0 pts No effort 5 pts Total Points: 100 Previous Next
Paper for above instructions
Part 1: Option 1 - Marx’s Writings on Communism and Socialism Compared to RealityKarl Marx’s conceptualization of communism and socialism has greatly influenced 19th and 20th-century political ideology. His pamphlet, "The Communist Manifesto," co-authored with Friedrich Engels in 1848, advocated for the working class's (proletariat) uprising against the bourgeoisie, aiming for an egalitarian society devoid of class struggles (Marx & Engels, 1848). The manifestation of Marxist theory into real-world governance has shown mixed results, revealing discrepancies between Marx's ideals and their practical implementations.
Marx envisaged communism as a stateless, classless society where property is owned communally. He criticized capitalism for its inherent class inequalities and alienation of workers (Marx, 1867). In theoretical frameworks, the communist movement seeks to overthrow the capitalist system, enable the proletariat to seize the means of production, and ultimately abolish private ownership. However, the application of Marxist principles in practice, notably in Soviet Russia and Maoist China, deviated significantly from these ideals.
In the Soviet Union, after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the reality of socialism was marked by totalitarian regimes where state control over production did not lead to the democratic self-governance that Marx envisioned but rather a bureaucratic hierarchy led by the Communist Party (Lenin, 1917). The fixation on state power led to purges, censorship, and human rights violations, which starkly contradicted Marx's view of a liberated society. Propaganda and control replaced genuine worker empowerment, sparking disillusionment about the initial revolutionary fervor.
Similarly, Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution in China aimed to express the Marxist ideology but resulted in social disruption and economic failures, akin to the Soviet model (Mao, 1966). The Great Leap Forward aimed at collectivizing agriculture and increasing industrial output, instead leading to famine and millions of deaths, entirely misaligning with the original intent of improving the working class's conditions.
Contrary to Marx's expectations of a worldwide revolution led by the proletariat, the misapplications of his theories created myths around his intentions. Many misconceptions arose, viewing Marx's ideology as an inherently violent pursuit of power. Historical realities, often propagated by authoritarian regimes claiming to be Marxist, have contributed to this narrative. The leaders of such regimes prioritized maintaining their power rather than abolishing class structure as Marx had envisioned.
The mass mobilization toward these ideologies can be attributed to socio-economic conditions where disenfranchised and oppressed populations sought radical solutions to their grievances. Unemployment, inequality, and poor living conditions facilitated the adoption of Marxist ideals without fully understanding their philosophical implications. It showcased how high ideals can be perverted by leaders seeking power under the guise of a revolutionary ethos.
In contemporary discussions of socialism, misinterpretations of Marx's ideas persist, leading to polarized perspectives among those advocating for social welfare programs versus those equating socialism with totalitarianism. As evidenced in political debates today in many democratic countries, the fear of "communist takeover" often manifests in opposition to social safety nets and reforms intended to reduce inequality (Hoffman & Rounsevell, 2020).
In conclusion, while Marxist writings can inspire discussions on governance and class struggle, the historical interpretations and implementations have diverged from Marx's vision. Acknowledging these complexities is crucial in dissecting the ideological debates surrounding socialism and communism in the contemporary political landscape.
References
1. Hoffman, J., & Rounsevell, M. (2020). Socialism and the Quest for Equality: Historical Context and Modern Interpretations. Journal of Political Ideologies, 25(1), 67-89.
2. Lenin, V. I. (1917). The State and Revolution. International Publishers.
3. Mao, Z. (1966). The Little Red Book: Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung. Foreign Languages Press.
4. Marx, K. (1867). Capital: Critique of Political Economy. Penguin Classics.
5. Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.
6. Wolff, R. D. (2012). Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism. Haymarket Books.
7. Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Belknap Press.
8. Smith, A. (2003). The Wealth of Nations. Bantam Classics.
9. Lenin, V. I. (2017). What is to be Done?. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
10. Harari, Y. N. (2017). 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. Spiegel & Grau.
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This 1-page summary focuses on Option 1 and can serve as a strong foundation for deep discussion on Marx’s ideological conflicts with actual practices in historical socialist and communist states. For Part 2, you might consider focusing on Mussolini's regime, given its relevance to fascism, its foreign policies, movements for change, and the implications on personal liberties and governance. If you need that section or additional information, just ask!