Which political system, characterized by government ownership of property, emerged as a point of concern during the 1930s?

• A. Fascism
• B. Democracy
• C. Communism
• D. Capitalism

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is Communism, as it is characterized by government ownership of property and the means of production. During the 1930s, the rise of communism, particularly following the Russian Revolution in 1917, became a significant point of concern for many Western countries. This was a time when the economic struggles of the Great Depression led to increased debates about different political ideologies.

Communism presented an alternative to capitalism, advocating for a classless society and the idea that wealth should be distributed more equally among the population. This led to fears in capitalist nations about the spread of communist ideas, which were perceived as a threat to individual freedoms and democracy. As a result, governments and political leaders in countries like Canada were increasingly concerned about the potential for communist movements to gain traction, especially given the economic turmoil of the era.

In contrast, fascism, while also concerning during the 1930s, is primarily characterized by authoritarian nationalism rather than government ownership of property. Democracy and capitalism emerged as systems that promoted individual rights, private property, and free markets, fundamentally opposing the principles of communism. This historical context highlights why communism was such a focal point of concern during this tumultuous decade.