Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the conflict of interests between different social classes, particularly the proletariat (working class) and the bourgeoisie (capitalist class). This ongoing tension arises from the economic inequalities and power dynamics that exist in capitalist societies, where the working class seeks to improve their conditions while the capitalist class strives to maintain their wealth and control. Understanding class struggle is crucial to grasping the motivations behind revolutionary movements, such as those in Russia during the early 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Class struggle was a fundamental concept in Marxist theory, influencing many revolutionary movements throughout history, including the Russian Revolutions.
2. In Russia, the disparities between the wealthy aristocrats and the impoverished peasants fueled discontent and laid the groundwork for revolutionary sentiments.
3. The Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, capitalized on class struggle by advocating for the overthrow of the bourgeoisie and establishing a dictatorship of the proletariat.
4. During the Civil War that followed the revolutions, both sides engaged in class struggle, with the Red Army representing workers and peasants while the White Army largely comprised aristocrats and capitalist interests.
5. The outcome of the class struggle in Russia ultimately led to the establishment of a socialist state, which aimed to eliminate class distinctions altogether.

Review Questions

• How did class struggle manifest in Russian society prior to the revolutions, and what were its main drivers?
  • Class struggle in Russia prior to the revolutions was characterized by significant economic inequality between the aristocracy and the peasantry. The majority of peasants lived in poverty, while landowners amassed wealth and power. This disparity created widespread discontent among workers and peasants, leading to strikes, protests, and demands for reform. These tensions ultimately culminated in revolutionary movements as various classes sought to address their grievances and change their socio-economic status.
• Analyze how Lenin's interpretation of class struggle influenced Bolshevik strategies during the Russian Revolutions.
  • Lenin's interpretation of class struggle emphasized the need for a vanguard party to lead the working class towards revolution. He believed that only through organized efforts could the proletariat successfully overthrow the bourgeoisie. This strategic approach led to effective mobilization during key moments of the revolutions, such as the October Revolution when Bolsheviks seized power by promising land, peace, and bread—directly appealing to workers' and peasants' struggles against their oppressors.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of class struggle on Soviet policies post-revolution and how it shaped societal structures.
  • The long-term impact of class struggle on Soviet policies was profound, as it led to efforts aimed at creating a classless society. Policies such as collectivization sought to eliminate private property and redistribute land among peasants. However, these initiatives often resulted in resistance from those whose livelihoods were threatened. Over time, this focus on eliminating class distinctions contributed to bureaucratic structures within the Communist Party that mirrored old hierarchies, raising questions about whether true classless society was ever achieved in practice.

Related terms

Proletariat: The working class who sell their labor for wages, often facing harsh working conditions and limited rights.

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class that owns the means of production and is characterized by their wealth and power over the proletariat.

Marxism:

A socio-economic theory developed by Karl Marx that analyzes class relations and societal conflict, emphasizing the role of class struggle in shaping history.