The podcast discusses the establishment of the Iskra newspaper during the Russian revolution, the tactics and impact of the Bolsheviks, the rise of Soviets of workers and soldiers' deputies, Stalin's early life and revolutionary activities, and the shift in economic policy in the Soviet Union from war communism to the New Economic Policy (NEP). It also explores Mao's analysis of the Russian experience and his fight against Trotskyism.
The establishment of the all-Russian political newspaper, Iskra, was a key factor in building the Revolutionary Proletarian Party under Lenin's leadership.
The February Revolution in Russia in 1917 resulted in the formation of the First Soviet Government and the passing of significant decrees on peace and land.
The founding of the Third International aimed to unite Communist parties worldwide and guide them in the struggle for socialism with Lenin as a leading figure.
Lenin's analysis of imperialism as the highest stage of capitalism provided a theoretical basis for understanding the economic basis of World War I and its political consequences for the proletariat.
Deep dives
Building the Revolutionary Proletarian Party
When Lenin came out of exile, his main task was to build the Revolutionary Proletarian Party. Lenin believed that the key to building this party was setting up an all-Russian political newspaper, Iskra. This newspaper would politically unite Marxist study circles and fight against opportunistic deviations.
The February Bourgeois Revolution
The February Revolution in Russia in 1917 led to the overthrow of the Tsar and the establishment of Soviets of workers and soldiers' deputies. The Bolsheviks played a leading role in organizing strikes and demonstrations that led to the uprising. The Congress of Soviets passed the Decree on Peace and the Decree on Land, forming the First Soviet Government with Lenin as the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars.
The Formation of the Third International
The Third International, also known as the Communist International, was founded in 1919. The First Congress of Communist Parties held in Moscow established the Communist International, with Lenin leading the initiative. Lenin's theoretical contributions at the congress included left-wing communism, an infantile disorder, and the thesis on the National and Colonial Question. The International aimed to unite Communist parties worldwide and guide them in the struggle for socialism.
Lenin's Analysis of Imperialism
Lenin analyzed imperialism as the highest stage of capitalism. He defined imperialism as the dominance of monopoly capitalism, characterized by the concentration of production, export of capital, economic and political partition of the world, and territorial division of colonies. Lenin argued that imperialism was parasitic and decaying capitalism, in transition to socialism. His analysis provided a theoretical basis for understanding the economic basis of World War I and its political consequences for the proletariat.
The Influence of Lenin's Analysis of Imperialism
Lenin's analysis of imperialism in 1916 linked self-determination to national liberation struggles in colonial countries, making the national question a world problem.
Stalin's Early Life and Revolutionary Contributions
Stalin's early life was marked by poverty and adversity, but he showed exceptional intelligence and became deeply influenced by Marxism. He played a crucial role in organizing workers, leading strikes, and establishing secret revolutionary organizations.
The Fight Against Trotskyism and Other Opportunist Trends
Stalin led the party in a firm struggle against Trotskyism, which advocated for a theory of permanent revolution and opposed party principles. Trotsky's factional activities and false propaganda against Bolshevik leadership led to his expulsion from the party.
This document is written by the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and is used as a study guide for their cadre. It is an exemplary summary and outline of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and the history of the International Communist Movement.
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