Fascism is best described as "the open terrorist dictatorship of the most reactionary, most chauvinistic and most imperialist elements of finance capital."
ABC’s of Marxism
51 learners taking this course
This course provides a basic introduction to Marxism. All basic concepts are covered in the eighteen lessons.
Lessons
What Is Fascism?

How Do Marxists Decide What To Do?

Marxism helps us find our answers, but it is no blueprint.
The Workers Must Have Their Own Political Party

A Communist Party is a party of action and purpose. The purpose is to promote the unity and strength of the working class and whatever members of other classes are willing to help.
Do Marxists Oppose Religion?

Chairman Gus Hall was famous for saying, "Our quarrel is with capitalism, not God."
The "National Question" and Forging Unity with Oppressed Peoples

In general, American progressives stand for the democratic rights of oppressed peoples, including those with the special problems of national oppression.
Communists Fight for Women's Emancipation

Marx, Engels, Lenin, and all Communists stand for the complete emancipation of women. This may seem remarkable when one considers that American women, considered the most advanced of all the democratic nations, didn't even win the vote until 1920 and continue to lack full rights and equal pay even as this is written 92 years later.
Study Up on Election Policies

We noted that no other aspect of political struggle confuses so many, raises such high tempers, and divides activists as much as the argument over electoral policies.
Capitalist Culture Must be Understood and Withstood!

"When people grow up in capitalist society there are many institutions – family, school, church, mass media, and the like – which teach the values of the larger culture, tell you what’s right and what’s wrong, teach you what’s possible and what isn’t. That larger culture is the culture of capitalism, and it shapes how we think and how we relate to class rule."
Why Are Unions So Important?

Real Marxists emphasize the tremendous importance of the union movement, even if some so-called 'radicals' seek to discredit it.
Class Struggle Is the Key to Understanding History

With the improved production, people could live longer and better, but class society was also born. One class took control of the farmland and/or herd of animals; the other class did the work.
Why Do People Think What They Think?

It is important to grasp this fundamental materialist fact, because it is the basis of understanding class society.
Is The Real World Real?

Not all socialists are materialists, and not all materialists are socialists, but Marxists are materialists.
Socialism: What It Is And Isn't

The capitalists laughed at the early socialists and dismissed them. They aren't laughing at scientific Marxism, and they can never dismiss it.
Materialists Have A Better Understanding of History

Marxists apply our materialist philosophy to the study of history. The result is Historical Materialism, which explains that the great changes in human history came about because of changes in the means and modes of production.
Change is Constant (It Really Isn't "What It Is")

To understand our world better, we need dialectical thinking. We need to build on our good common sense and cultivate an approach that will enable us to understand more and, hopefully, predict better.
What Do Marxists Mean by "Class?"

If different groups have different material circumstances, it stands to reason that they would have different attitudes.
Is Dialectical Materialism Really So Complicated?

It begins with the idea that everything is changing all the time.
Why Study Marxism?

We study Marxism because we recognize our own humanity. We care what happens to our sisters and brothers. We recognize suffering, and we want change.