Watch The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin

The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin is a comprehensive course on the origins and evolution of communism, hosted by Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius. The course is a part of The Great Courses Signature Collection and takes a deep dive into the key events and ideas that shaped the development of the communist movement.

The course starts with an introduction to the life and work of Karl Marx, the philosopher and economist who is widely considered to be the father of modern communism. Professor Liulevicius explores how Marx's ideas about class struggle, labor, and capitalism laid the foundation for the communist ideology.

Next, the course delves into the emergence of communism as a social and political force in Europe in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The rise of Marxist political parties, labor unions, and socialist movements in various countries is discussed, as are the challenges these groups faced in trying to implement their vision of a socialist society. The course also covers the role that World War I played in fueling the growth of communist movements across Europe.

The second half of the course is dedicated to the rise of Soviet communism, and in particular, the actions of Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party in Russia. Professor Liulevicius explores how Lenin's revolutionary tactics and theories helped to bring about the overthrow of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of a Soviet government. The course also examines the challenges faced by the new Soviet state and the strategies that were put in place to consolidate communist power.

Throughout the course, Professor Liulevicius draws on a wide range of sources to provide a nuanced view of the history of communism. He covers not only the successes of communist movements, but also their failures and the ways in which they struggled to implement their visions of a socialist society. The course also explores the ways in which communism was challenged by other political ideologies, such as fascism and liberalism.

One of the strengths of the course is its accessibility. Professor Liulevicius presents the material in a clear and engaging way, and is skilled at breaking down complex ideas into easy-to-understand parts. The course is ideal for anyone who is interested in the history of communism, regardless of their prior knowledge of the subject.

Overall, The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin is a fascinating and informative course that provides a detailed look at the origins and growth of communist movements across the globe. Professor Liulevicius is an excellent host who brings his subject to life with engaging lectures and insightful analysis. Whether you are an expert in the history of communism or a relative newcomer to the subject, this course is highly recommended.

The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between November 8, 2019 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection