Communism is, at its most basic, the notion that all people should share the wealth of the world. In modern times, Communism is only actively practiced in a handful of countries, most notably China. The philosophy was more widely practiced in countries around the world during the 20th century.
A Response to the Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s, the rise of mass production greatly changed society. Before that time, workers produced goods and brought them to the marketplace, essentially as owner-operators of small businesses. With machines, individuals were no longer able to produce goods and compete in the marketplace. According to Communist theory, these workers became part of the proletariat class, at the mercy of the bourgeoisie class that owned the factories. Communism seeks to erase this class system, and put all profits and material wealth in the hands of all people. A well-known phrase among Communists is “from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs."
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