This essay will give a brief introduction to communism. It will

then discuss the various factors which combined to bring about

the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe. It will examine each

of these factors and evaluate the effect of each. Finally it will

attempt to assertain whether RogersÆ opinion (see above

quotation) on Communism is true, that is, whether communism was

truly doomed to fail from the start, or whether its collapse

was a result of external influences.

Communism is based on the ideas and teachings of Karl Marx as

modified by Lenin. At its most basic, the ideal of communism is a

system in which everyone is seen as equal and wealth is

distributed equally among the people. There is no private

ownership. The state owns and controls all enterprises and

property. The state is run by one leading elite. The Soviet model

of communism was based on these ideals. All opposition parties

were banned although parties who were sympathetic to communism

and who shared the communist ideals were allowed. All power was

concentrated into the hands of the Communist party. Free press

and civil liberties were suppressed. Censorship and

campaign was initiated. Vineyards were destroyed and beer

For a leadership to lead, it must have strong support and

in 1928. (21) Although agricultural production increased, the

began to remove all opposition to his claim to power. His main

prepared children for higher education. (33) Under Stalin

(23) Industry was not faring any better and by 1963 production

stagnating. The secrecy and lies undermined efficiency, isolated

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 6409
Approximate Pages = 26 (250 words per page double spaced)