A Comparison of Stalinism in the USSR and Democracy in the USA

Stalinism in the USSR

After Lenin's death in 1924, Stalin became the leader of the USSR and a totalitarian regime developed.

• He controlled all branches of government, including the army, which he used against his political enemies. People who opposed him were executed or sent to prison camps in Siberia.
• The economy was planned and controlled by the state. There was no private property, and industries were nationalized.
• In theory, the Soviet Union was classless, but there were enormous social differences. The ruling elite had access to all types of consumer products, while the rest of the population suffered from shortages of food and basic necessities. Many died of starvation.

Women and Stalinism

Stalin restricted women's rights and freedoms, suppressing the measures that had been adopted during the Russian Revolution. Women were expected to get married, stay at home, and have children. Couples were rewarded for having large families, and divorce was difficult.

Democracy in the United States

Two-Party Political System

The Republican Party:

• Supported the capitalist system and free markets.
• Opposed government intervention in the economy.
• Were hostile to trade unions.
• Represented the interests of the wealthiest Americans.

The Democratic Party:

• Supported the capitalist system.
• Defended government intervention in the economy and policies that would reduce social and economic inequalities.
• Supported the existence of trade unions.
• Represented the interests of the middle and working classes.

Republican Dominance (1920s-1930s)

During the 1920s and 1930s, Republican administrations governed the USA due to:

• The economic prosperity of the 1920s.
• The fear of Communism, which was perceived as a threat to the American capitalist system.
• Their introduction of conservative policies, such as isolationism and hostility to immigration.

The New Deal (1933)

In 1933, the Democrats returned to power when Franklin D. Roosevelt won the presidential election. Roosevelt passed a series of measures called the New Deal, which brought greater government intervention in the economy.

• Public-works programs were created to generate jobs and reduce unemployment.
• A basic social insurance system was established.
• Assistance was provided for farmers and others affected by the Great Depression.