Chapter 21

Modern communism was a phenomenon most effective in the world of the twentieth century, inspired by Karl Marx's teachings. The communist movements drew on the event of the French Revolution that broadened the view of the effect of human actions. Communism rose in several places throughout the world following World War II during the twentieth century, but its primary places were Russia and China.The Cold War was a clash of worldviews regarding Western democratic capitalism v. Communist. It is referred to as the "cold war" because there was no direct fighting between the two superpowers, but there was still violent conflict in other parts of the world. The two superpowers were not in direct conflict because it was evident that both had access to nuclear weapons. It is still questioned whether or not communism is still in our world as it is today. In fact, Communism is still evident as different countries define themselves as communist countries such as North Korea, China, Cuba, and Vietnam.