WHAT IS POLITICS?

11.1 Why the Russian Revolution Failed: When Rich Kids do all the Socialism

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Mar 21, 2023
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INSIGHT

Marxism's Ironic Justification of Capitalism

  • Marxists believed socialism was only possible in advanced capitalist countries.
  • Ironically, some Russian intellectuals and industrialists used Marx's work to justify aggressive free enterprise.
ANECDOTE

Aristocratic Socialists

  • Many prominent Russian socialists, including Lenin, came from aristocratic backgrounds.
  • Guilt over their privilege motivated their revolutionary activities.
ANECDOTE

Narodnik Idealization of the Peasantry

  • The Narudniks, populist socialists, idealized the peasantry but lacked real understanding of their lives.
  • They viewed peasants as instrumental to achieving socialism, similar to today's identity politics.
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