Bolshevism

Definition

Bolshevism is a radical socialist ideology that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with the Bolshevik Party led by Vladimir Lenin. It advocates for the overthrow of the capitalist system through a revolution led by the working class and aims to establish a dictatorship of the proletariat. This ideology became central to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and played a critical role in the subsequent establishment of the Soviet state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bolshevism was officially established as a political doctrine during the Second Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1903, where Lenin's faction emerged victorious.
2. The ideology emphasized the need for a vanguard party to lead the proletariat, believing that only a disciplined party could lead workers to revolution.
3. Bolshevism gained popular support during World War I, as many workers and soldiers grew disillusioned with the ongoing war and economic hardships.
4. The October Revolution in 1917 was a direct result of Bolshevik ideology, as they promised 'peace, land, and bread' to appeal to war-weary soldiers and impoverished peasants.
5. After gaining power, Bolshevism led to the establishment of a one-party state in Russia, which suppressed opposition and dissent through various means including censorship and political repression.

Review Questions

• How did Bolshevism differ from Menshevism in its approach to achieving socialism in Russia?
  • Bolshevism and Menshevism represented two different factions within the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. While Bolsheviks advocated for immediate revolution led by a disciplined vanguard party, Mensheviks believed in a more gradual approach to socialism, emphasizing broader participation and collaboration with other socialist groups. This fundamental disagreement on strategy and tactics ultimately contributed to their split and highlighted differing views on how best to achieve socialist goals in Russia.
• Discuss the key promises made by the Bolsheviks during the October Revolution and their significance in gaining support from the Russian populace.
  • During the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks made key promises encapsulated in their slogan 'peace, land, and bread.' They pledged to withdraw Russia from World War I, redistribute land among peasants, and address food shortages affecting urban workers. These promises resonated deeply with a population exhausted by war and poverty, allowing the Bolsheviks to rally widespread support that facilitated their swift takeover of power. The appeal of these promises demonstrated how effectively Bolshevism could mobilize public sentiment against the existing regime.
• Evaluate the impact of Bolshevism on post-revolutionary Russia and its implications for global socialism in the 20th century.
  • Bolshevism fundamentally transformed Russia by establishing a one-party socialist state that prioritized revolutionary ideology over democratic governance. The consolidation of power led to significant economic changes through nationalization and state planning but also resulted in widespread repression of dissent. The success of Bolshevism inspired socialist movements worldwide, prompting both admiration and fear among capitalist nations. This ideological divide would fuel conflicts throughout the 20th century, ultimately contributing to the Cold War as countries grappled with their positions on socialism and capitalism.

Related terms

Menshevism: A rival faction to the Bolsheviks within the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party that advocated for a more moderate approach to socialism and believed in a more gradual transition to a socialist society.

Proletariat: The working class in a capitalist society, which Marxist theory posits as the revolutionary class that will rise against the bourgeoisie to establish a classless society.

October Revolution: The second phase of the Russian Revolution in 1917, where the Bolsheviks seized control of the government in Petrograd, leading to the establishment of Soviet power.