The term “revolution” can be either defined as “an attempt […] to change the government of a country” or as a “great change in conditions, ways of working, beliefs, etc. that affects large numbers of people”. In conducting the Russian revolution of 1917 and its aftermath, Lenin has fulfilled both conditions – for the first time in history, the capitalist system was challenged by a Communist state.
In this essay, I will firstly concentrate on Lenin’s theoretical approach to the “dictatorship of the proletariat” and its realization throughout the period of the “October Revolution” (section II). Thereupon, section III describes the use of Communism during the civil war and its consequences, whereas section IV considers the implication of the New Economic Policy on various parts of the Russian population.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. a. Revolution in theory...
- II. b. ... and practice...
- III. War Communism
- IV. The New Economic Policy.
- V. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore Lenin's understanding of "Communism" and its application in the Russian revolution and its aftermath. It examines the theoretical basis for his concept of the "dictatorship of the proletariat" and its implementation in practice.
- Lenin's theoretical approach to the "dictatorship of the proletariat"
- The implementation of Communism during the Russian Civil War
- The impact of the New Economic Policy on the Russian population
- The role of the Bolshevik Party and Lenin's leadership in the revolution
- The contrast between theoretical Marxist ideals and the realities of Russia
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- I. Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of revolution and its two interpretations. It establishes Lenin's role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and his challenge to the capitalist system with a Communist state. The essay outlines its structure, focusing on Lenin's theoretical approach, the implementation of Communism during the Civil War, and the consequences of the New Economic Policy.
- II. a. Revolution in theory...: This chapter examines Lenin's theoretical approach to Communism, drawing from Marx's theory of class struggle. It discusses the concept of the "dictatorship of the proletariat" as an intermediate stage towards socialism. The chapter explores the implications of this theory for political participation, welfare, and the role of the Socialist Party in guiding the masses.
- II. b. ... and practice...: This section delves into the practical application of Lenin's theoretical framework in Russia. It analyzes the challenges posed by Russia's industrial underdevelopment and the lack of a fully developed proletariat. The chapter explores Lenin's adaptation of Marxism to the specific context of Russia and the role of the First World War and internal problems in fostering discontent and revolution.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This text focuses on the key concepts of Communism, the "dictatorship of the proletariat", the Russian Revolution, Lenin's leadership, and the transition from capitalism to socialism. It explores the theoretical framework of Marxism and its adaptation to the specific realities of Russia, particularly the impact of the First World War and the complexities of class consciousness in a predominantly agrarian society.
- Quote paper
- Marion Luger (Author), 2001, What Did Lenin Mean by 'Communism'?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/135047
