Capitalism, Communism & the Domino Theory
There are many different political ideologies but the two main ones are Communism and Capitalism.
Communism is the belief that individual rights are less important than what is good for the country as a whole. There is one political party, and people can vote for which candidate is the leader. However they do not have complete freedom. Press and businesses are controlled by the government and any profit that an individual makes is given to the government to be put to 'good use'. This makes everyones average earnings the same. Not many people dare to speak out against the government in fear of what may happen to them. They might get kidnapped and totally pwned. Countries that have been communist include Vietnam, China and the USSR (United Soviet Socialist Republic).
Capitalism is almost the opposite of Communism. Profits made by businesses are kept for personal use, and wealthy business men can take risks on the stock market and be as selfish as they want. Businesses are indipendant of the government and the press are free to publish what they want within reason. An example of a Capitalist country is the USA and the UK.
'The Cold War' is the term used to describe the relationship between the USA and the USSR. A 'Hot War' is used to describe a war in which physical fighting occurs between the countries involved. Therefore a 'Cold War' is one in which no fighting takes place directly. The Cold War was fought using Client States. This is where other countries and powers fight on the behalf of the other countries involved. Such as North Vietnam fighting on the USSR's behalf, with the USSR supplying them with arms.
The 'Domino Theory' was a capitalist idea that if one country becomes communist, then all the surrounding ones will. This was one of the reasons for the Vietnam War. Capitalist countries were scared of communism and the effects. Further Reading:BBC Bitesize: ideological differences - Stalin vs Truman
HistoryLearningSite - What was the Cold War?
Spartacus - The Domino Theory
'The Cold War' is the term used to describe the relationship between the USA and the USSR. A 'Hot War' is used to describe a war in which physical fighting occurs between the countries involved. Therefore a 'Cold War' is one in which no fighting takes place directly. The Cold War was fought using Client States. This is where other countries and powers fight on the behalf of the other countries involved. Such as North Vietnam fighting on the USSR's behalf, with the USSR supplying them with arms.
The 'Domino Theory' was a capitalist idea that if one country becomes communist, then all the surrounding ones will. This was one of the reasons for the Vietnam War. Capitalist countries were scared of communism and the effects. Further Reading:
