Activity Overview
Understanding ideologies is important to understanding the reasons a country takes certain actions in the global stage. This is especially important for understanding the Cold War and the development of hostility and culture that still affects modern day events.
After doing some research, students will compare and contrast the ideas and ideologies of democracy and capitalism with communism and command economies. This will allow students to explain, analyze, and synthesize what defined each superpower’s belief system through their society, economics, and government. Students will be able to connect how such differences in societal theory resulted in the Cold War being an ideological battle, defined by propaganda, espionage, and global control.
Extended Activity
Have students define and outline the major ideas of Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Students can compare and contrast both figures using a grid storyboard. This will allow students to identify the founding pioneers of capitalism and communism. It will provide historical context to where both nations looked in history to guide their development before and during WWII.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that compares and contrasts the economic, societal, and government ideologies of Communism and Capitalism.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the title boxes with "Political Ideology", "Economic Ideology", "Societal Ideology", and "Aims and Goals".
- In the top row, describe these ideologies and how they pertain to either capitalism or communism.
- In the bottom row, do the same for the other system.
- Create images for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Understanding ideologies is important to understanding the reasons a country takes certain actions in the global stage. This is especially important for understanding the Cold War and the development of hostility and culture that still affects modern day events.
After doing some research, students will compare and contrast the ideas and ideologies of democracy and capitalism with communism and command economies. This will allow students to explain, analyze, and synthesize what defined each superpower’s belief system through their society, economics, and government. Students will be able to connect how such differences in societal theory resulted in the Cold War being an ideological battle, defined by propaganda, espionage, and global control.
Extended Activity
Have students define and outline the major ideas of Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Students can compare and contrast both figures using a grid storyboard. This will allow students to identify the founding pioneers of capitalism and communism. It will provide historical context to where both nations looked in history to guide their development before and during WWII.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that compares and contrasts the economic, societal, and government ideologies of Communism and Capitalism.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the title boxes with "Political Ideology", "Economic Ideology", "Societal Ideology", and "Aims and Goals".
- In the top row, describe these ideologies and how they pertain to either capitalism or communism.
- In the bottom row, do the same for the other system.
- Create images for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Capitalism vs. Communism Ideologies
How to Facilitate a Classroom Debate on Capitalism vs. Communism
Organize a structured debate using clear roles for students to represent each ideology. Debates help students actively engage with concepts and practice respectful discourse.
Assign student roles as advocates for each ideology
Ask students to represent either capitalism or communism, ensuring balanced teams. This promotes empathy and a deeper understanding of both perspectives.
Provide key resources and guiding questions
Distribute articles, charts, and prompts to help students research and prepare arguments. Guiding questions keep the discussion focused and purposeful.
Set clear debate rules and time limits
Explain the format, speaking order, and respectful behavior guidelines. Clear rules create a safe, equitable environment for all voices.
Facilitate the debate and guide reflection
Moderate the discussion, ensuring students use evidence and respect differing views. Afterward, lead a reflection on what was learned and how perspectives may have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Capitalism vs. Communism Ideologies
What is the main difference between capitalism and communism?
Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals own and control businesses and resources, focusing on profit and competition. Communism is a system where the government or the community owns all property, aiming for equal distribution of resources and classless society.
How do capitalism and communism influence government structure?
In capitalism, governments often support democratic principles with multiple political parties and individual freedoms. Communist systems typically have single-party rule, with the state controlling most aspects of life to achieve collective goals.
Why did the ideological differences between capitalism and communism lead to the Cold War?
The Cold War was driven by deep ideological differences: capitalist countries valued individual freedom and market economies, while communist nations prioritized state control and equality. These opposing values led to mistrust, propaganda, and global rivalry without direct military conflict.
Who were Adam Smith and Karl Marx, and how did their ideas shape capitalism and communism?
Adam Smith is known as the father of capitalism, advocating for free markets and individual choice. Karl Marx is the founder of communist theory, promoting class struggle and collective ownership. Their philosophies formed the foundation for each system's development.
What is an easy classroom activity to help students compare capitalism and communism?
A simple activity is to create a storyboard chart comparing political, economic, and societal ideologies of both systems. Students label sections, describe each system, and use images to illustrate differences and similarities.
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