Question

Although he advanced total freedom of speech, association, and movement, Karl Marx's communist ideas inspired some of the worst dictatorships of the 20th century because _____.

a. He advocated authoritarianism.
b. His ideas were misinterpreted and distorted.
c. He promoted individual liberty.
d. His theories encouraged democratic governance.

Answer 1

Karl Marx's communist ideas led to dictatorships because they were misinterpreted and distorted. Marx aimed for a classless society with creative freedom, but totalitarian regimes instead emerged from attempts to apply his theories.

Step-by-step explanation:

Although Karl Marx advanced total freedom of speech, association, and movement, his communist ideas inspired some of the worst dictatorships of the 20th century because b. His ideas were misinterpreted and distorted. Marx did not advocate for authoritarianism; instead, he wanted to end capitalist exploitation and believed in a 'dictatorship of the proletariat' which, ideally, would be a temporary government during the transition from capitalism to a classless, stateless society. However, in practice, leaders like Joseph Stalin took these concepts to extremes, leading to forms of totalitarianism far removed from Marx's vision of a society of peace, justice, and creative freedom.