The Sickle and the Hammer: A Socialist History of the Soviet Union
Daniel
We are often told the USSR was an oppressive, authoritarian society, lacking freedom and democracy. There were endless purges that claimed the lives of millions of “dissidents,” purges that were designed for one thing and one thing only: to keep power in the hands of those who wielded it.And as we all know, the economy was based on socialist and communist principles, which is why it barely functioned at all. There were endless famines, genocides against minorities within the nation, and an industrial base that was constantly tottering on the edge of collapse.But instead of trying to address these issues at home, the leaders of the USSR were fixated only on world domination, on spreading communism in order to destroy freedom around the world. From Europe and Asia to Latin America and Africa, the Communists were a threat to freedom the world over.…. Or were they?Learn the story of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic you’ve never heard! What was life really like in the Soviet Union? How authoritarian was it? Did a “totalitarian” state really exist? How did the economy function to meet the needs of its citizens? How were the governing apparatus structured? And were the Soviets hell-bent on world domination…. Or world liberation? Or neither?Subscribe to find out!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 14, 2025 • 47min
9 - Reaction and Recovery
Sometimes the bark is worse than the bite.Please consider supporting me on Patreon at patreon.com/sovietpod.Sources:Trotsky, L. D. Istoriya Russkoi Revoliutsii. 1930Cliff, Tony. All Power to the Soviets: Lenin 1914-1917. 1976, republished by Haymarket Books, 2004.Rabinowitch, Alexander. The Bolsheviks Come to Power: The Revolution of 1917 in Petrograd. 1976
Apr 3, 2025 • 50min
8 - June and July
Whatever you do, don’t try to prematurely overthrow the government… No, I said DON’T do that!Please consider supporting me on Patreon at patreon.com/sovietpod.Sources:Trotsky, L. D. Istoriya Russkoi Revoliutsii. 1930Cliff, Tony. All Power to the Soviets: Lenin 1914-1917. 1976, republished by Haymarket Books, 2004.Rabinowitch, Alexander. The Bolsheviks Come to Power: The Revolution of 1917 in Petrograd. 1976
Mar 24, 2025 • 38min
7 - The People and the Party
Discover the undercurrents that shaped the Bolshevik party and its relationship with the Russian peasantry and urban workers. Explore the significance of the mir system and why land ownership reforms led to class strife. Delve into why ordinary people, not just leaders, are crucial to understanding the revolution. Examine the Bolsheviks' rapid rise as a true workers' party amidst chaos and logistical challenges. Plus, witness the growing disillusionment of peasants and workers, setting the stage for the tumultuous events to come.
Mar 13, 2025 • 14min
6.c - The Tasks of the Proletariat in the Current Revolution
Source for text: https://www.hrono.ru/libris/lib_l/lenin_apr.phpPlease consider supporting me on Patreon at patreon.com/sovietpod.
Mar 13, 2025 • 47min
6 - Fumbling the Ball
Explore the tumultuous events of March and April 1917 that shaped the Russian Revolution. Discover the importance of Order No. 1 and its surprising impact on army morale. Unpack Lenin's strategical return to Russia and his groundbreaking April Theses. Witness the tension within the Bolsheviks as they navigated internal divisions and political challenges. A football analogy clarifies Lenin's urgency to seize the revolutionary moment. Delve into the clashes between socialist leaders and the rank-and-file over significant demonstrations.
Mar 13, 2025 • 4min
6.d - Miliukov’s Note
The discussion delves into Milukov's diplomatic note, shedding light on Russia's wartime commitments to its allies. It asserts Russia's rejection of rumors about a separate peace with the Central Powers, emphasizing alignment with democratic ideals. The new provisional government contrasts sharply with the former regime, showcasing a readiness to embrace emancipatory war aims. The episode highlights how the revolution has bolstered national unity and commitment to victory, while maintaining Russia's national rights in harmony with international obligations.
Mar 13, 2025 • 4min
6.a - Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies Order Number 1
The podcast unveils the revolutionary Order No. 1 from the Petrograd Soviet, designed for workers and soldiers. Key topics include the election of committees from lower ranks and the political subordination of military units to the Soviet. It emphasizes the priority of Soviet orders over the State Duma and mandates that all arms be controlled by elected bodies. The discussion also highlights the abolition of honorific officer titles, aiming for a more egalitarian military culture. Strict discipline in service is balanced with civil rights off-duty, showcasing a shift in military dynamics.
Mar 13, 2025 • 5min
6.b - Address of the Soviet to the Peoples of the Entire World
The podcast dives into the historical address from the Petrograd Soviet during the Russian Revolution. It highlights the call for workers worldwide to unite against tyranny and the promise of a democratic future. The Soviet emphasizes the ongoing threats to their revolution and urges people to seize control over decisions of war and peace. There's a heartfelt appeal to the German proletariat, advocating for solidarity against war. The discussion culminates in a rallying cry for international unity, echoing the revolutionary spirit of the time.
Mar 3, 2025 • 42min
5 - Lights, Camera, Action!
Discover the power struggles of early 20th-century Russia as key revolutionary figures like Lenin and Trotsky navigate a collapsing Tsarist regime. Delve into the chaos of Petrograd, where workers' strikes intertwine with political fervor, leading to a dramatic uprising. Explore how soldiers turned against the Tsar, mutinies erupted, and the Petrograd Soviet re-emerged amid the turmoil. Witness the tensions of dual power as socialists and the Provisional Government grapple for control in a rapidly changing political landscape.
Feb 20, 2025 • 54min
4 - Setting the Stage
Explore how the emancipation of serfs backfired, leaving peasants in dire economic straits. Discover the rapid industrialization that birthed a new urban workforce, alongside lessons from the Paris Commune that shaped revolutionary thought. The podcast delves into the political missteps of Nicholas II, including the disastrous Russo-Japanese War and a deadly workers' protest that ignited a revolutionary spirit. As World War I intensified crises at home, insights into Rasputin's scandalous influence reveal the unraveling of the Tsarist regime.
