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QLDModern HistoryQuick questions
Unit 1: Ideas in the modern world
Quick questions on Socialism and Marxism (QCE Modern History Unit 1)
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is historical materialism?Show answer
Marx's theory that economic relations (the mode of production) shape political and ideological institutions, and that history proceeds through stages (feudalism, capitalism, socialism, communism) driven by class struggle.
What is the revisionism debate?Show answer
Eduard Bernstein argued that Marx's predictions had not been realised; that capitalism was stabilising; that the working class should pursue reform through democratic politics. Karl Kautsky and Rosa Luxemburg defended orthodox revolutionary Marxism. The debate exposed a permanent fault line between reformists and revolutionaries.
What is communism?Show answer
Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin (1917-1953). Centralised state-led industrialisation, collectivisation of agriculture, one-party rule. Spread to Eastern Europe (1945-1948), China (Mao, 1949), Cuba (1959), and parts of South-East Asia.
What is democratic socialism / social democracy?Show answer
German SPD, British Labour Party (founded 1900, in government 1924, 1929-31, 1945-51 under Attlee). Operated within parliamentary democracy. Built the welfare state, nationalised key industries, accepted a mixed economy.
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