

11.1 Why the Russian Revolution Failed: When Rich Kids do all the Socialism
12 snips Mar 21, 2023
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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.
Aristocratic Socialists
- Many prominent Russian socialists, including Lenin, came from aristocratic backgrounds.
- Guilt over their privilege motivated their revolutionary activities.
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.