China and the Soviet Union

Definition

These are two major communist powers during the Cold War. Initially allies, their relationship soured in the 1960s leading to a split known as Sino-Soviet Split.

Analogy

Imagine China and the Soviet Union as two popular kids in school who were best friends but had a falling out over differences of opinion (in this case, different interpretations of Marxism). This led to them becoming rivals instead.

Related terms

Communism: A political theory advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Sino-Soviet Split: The breaking of political relations between People's Republic of China (PRC) & USSR during Cold War due to ideological differences on Marxism.

Marxism: A social, political, & economic theory originated by Karl Marx that examines the effect of capitalism on labor, productivity, & economic development; argues for worker revolution overthrowing capitalist society.