The differences between Soviet socialism and Chinese communism?

Question by α ρℓα¢є ¢αℓℓє∂ мєℓαи¢нσℓу .: What are the differences between Soviet socialism and Chinese communism?
I have an exam coming up and I was wondering what the similarities and differences between Soviet socialism (under Stalin and following leaders) and Chinese communism (in the 1950s-1970s under leaders like Mao Zedong) were. Links to sites are appreciated too!

Thanks.

Answers and Views:

Answer by One Cool Marxist
Okay, I’ll help you out, but only for this: neither the USSR nor China were ever Socialist or Communist to any degree. It’s not possible for a country to be Socialist (let along a classless, stateless, and Communist) right now, but that may change very soon.

Okay, now that the indoctrination is over, let’s get to the point.

The USSR

The USSR began with a large Civil War emerging from a relatively mercantile economy. Under Lenin, the nation began to see some degree of free market Capitalism, but, under Stalin, the economy was put under control of the State, and Totalitarianism began. After a quick, forced, and costly industrialization, the USSR emerged as a Superpower, rival to the USA. Also, under Stalin, and later other leaders, the USSR neglected agriculture in favor of military. As a result, millions starved. Finally, because of the foolishness and corruption in the State, the Soviet Union fell apart under Gorbachev in 1991.

China

The People’s Republic of China wouldn’t have existed if it weren’t for USSR funds. However, that’s not where the difference comes into play. China based its revolution on the backs of the peasants, and, after victory, Mao Zedong tried to equalize the population by swapping all of the upper class and lower class, leaving educated scholars in the fields for farming and ignorant peasants in major government roles. Needless to say, nothing got done willingly, as not enough food was produced by the new “farmers.” This came, unfortunately, during a time when China was forcing industrialization as well, causing the deaths of hundreds of millions of people. After Mao’s death, China witnessed the failures of the USSR and decided to adapt in order to survive. Instead of sticking with a State-run economy, China changed. Now, the PRC allows for a good deal of free market Capitalism, as long as everybody understands that the market is only free because the Communist Party of China decided that it was free.

In essence, the USSR used proletarians, the PRC used peasants; both used State-run economies; the USSR collapsed because it didn’t change, the PRC changed and still thrives. Hopefully this has helped. Good luck on your exam!

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