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How did Communism affect the development of North Korea?

Magen Pretor

Hey buddy,

Thanks for asking such an interesting question. You are right, the development of North Korea has been heavily influenced by the implementation of communism. North Korea is one of the rare surviving examples of a totalitarian communist state in the world today.

When the Korean War ended in 1953, North Korea was established as a communist state with Kim Il-sung as its leader. The country adopted a command economy, which meant that the government controlled all aspects of the economy. Land, factories, and industries were nationalized, and the state was responsible for determining what was produced, how much and at what price.

At the beginning of the 1960s, North Korea started to undergo a rapid transformation. The country was heavily industrialized and it was able to produce a wide range of goods, including basic industrial products and consumer goods. However, this incipient development was fragile and depended on external help from its communist allies.

However, by the 1980s, it became increasingly clear that the North Korean economy was failing, primarily because of systemic inefficiencies in the command economy system. Additionally, the country was subject to international sanctions and isolation.

Communism in North Korea also had other implications beyond just its struggling economy. One of the hallmarks of communism is the control over the lives of citizens, which resulted in the suppression of freedom of speech, civil liberties, and basic human rights. The government maintains strict control over all aspects of citizens' lives, from their work to their daily routine.

Over the years, North Korea has had several opportunities to break away from communism, but it has steadfastly refused to do so. Instead, the country has become increasingly isolated from the international community, with North Korean citizens being deprived of basic commodities, such as food and medical supplies.

In conclusion, the aftermath of communism on the development of North Korea has been devastating. The country has remained in a state of underdevelopment, struggling to produce enough goods and services to meet the basic needs of its citizens. There are certainly many other factors that have contributed to this situation, but the adoption of communism has certainly been a significant hindrance to the growth and prosperity of North Korea.

Hope this helps answer your question.