Communism

In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the brutal cost of communist ideology, from mass killings to cultural destruction, and the psychological motivations driving its appeal. From Marx to Mao, explore the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of communism, its impact on history, and its surprising influence today. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812 - Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812 – SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months 🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. – Recommended Podcast: The Riff with Byrne Hobart Byrne Hobart, the writer of The Diff, is revered in Silicon Valley. You can get an hour with him each week. See for yourself how his thinking can upgrade yours. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rANlV54GCARLgMOtpkzKt Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-riff-with-byrne-hobart-and-erik-torenberg/id1716646486 – FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @eriktorenberg (Erik) @TurpentineMedia – TIMESTAMPS: (00:15) Introduction and Communism as a Moral Lesson (02:32) Marxism's Influence (05:37) Origins of the Modern Left (09:33) Saint Simon and the Roots of Leftism (12:37) Pre-Marxist Socialist Thinkers (13:38) Karl Marx and the 1848 Revolutions (16:36) Marx's Intellectual Ability and Hegelianism (17:49) The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Communism (19:43) The Psychology of Leftism and Power (25:52) The Russian Revolution and Lenin (28:05) The Nature of Communist Revolutions (29:10) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel (30:25) Stalin and the Purges (33:33) The Soviet Union and the Iron Curtain (35:37) The Decline of Communism (38:01) Communism's Death Toll and the Need for Reassessment (40:05) Communism and Social Justice (41:35) Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party (46:26) Cambodian Communism and the Khmer Rouge (48:24) The Geographic Apex and Decline of Communism (51:15) Post-Communist Transition (53:34) The Need for a Psychological Revolution (56:10) Conclusion + Wrap Books Mentioned: The Decline and Fall of Socialism Fire in the Minds of Men by James Billington Les Miserables The 100 Greatest Atrocities of the Twentieth Century by Matthew White