Communism in the USSR was doomed from the onset. Communism was condemned due to lack of support from other nations, condemned due to corruption within its leadership, condemned due to the moral weakness of humanity, making what is perfect on paper, ineffective in the real world. The end of this system was very violent. It left one of the two most powerful nations in the world fearful of what was to come.

Communism can either be called a concept or system of society. In a society that follows the communist beliefs groups own the major resources and means of production, rather than a certain individual. In theory, Communism is to provide equal work, and benefits to all in a specific society. Communism is derived from many ancient resources, including Plato's Republic and early Christian communities. In 1917, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their Communist Manifesto finalized the philosophy of Communism. ("Communism," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 98 Encyclopedia)

In the beginning, people in Russia thought of Communism as a utopian ideal. (Funk & Wagnall's) The elimination of social classes, and guaranteed employment sounded outstanding to the people who lived in Russia.

Eventually Communism completely destroyed the Soviet Empire. The parasite of Communism finally drained the last bit of strength from the Russian nation in the late 1980's and 1990's, resulting in a sensational break-up of Soviet control.

In 1924 Joseph Stalin became head of the Soviet Communist Party. He soon became the most powerful man in Russia. He ran the Soviet Union with brut power, removing all that opposed him and the Communist beliefs. This time period was known as the "Great Purge." Stalin systemically executed anyone who stood in his path. Stalin had millions of people arrested and killed. The government once again changed in its economic status. All private ownership was ended. Industrialization commenced, and the strength of the Soviet's Military significantly increased. The only downfall was agriculture production slowly diminished. This eventually led to food shortages. During this time period the Second World War broke out and drained most of what was left of the already impoverished state. However after the war, national unity was improved and the Soviet Union once again became a super power of the world. (" Stalin and World War II," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 99 Encyclopedia)

Today Russia's economy is in disorder. The standard of living for most people in incredibly low. It may be even lower now then during the Communist rule due to the long-term effects of the break up of the Soviet Union. One of the major factors for the fall of Communism is the government did not live up to it's promise of a better life for all, and the failure of government to deal properly with social and foreign affairs. Russia is now faced with a task that may seem impractical, and a journey that may take many years, but it is believed one-day Russia may regain a well-balanced government.

Out of the former Soviet-controlled states, the one that proceeded fastest and furthest with free-market reform instead of controlled business -- the Czech Republic -- has done the

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