The Difference Between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks
The Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were two factions that emerged within the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party in the early 20th century. The two factions had different ideologies and strategies, which led to a divide and ultimately, resulted in the Bolsheviks gaining power during the October Revolution of 1917. Here are some of the key differences between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks:
Background
The Bolshevik faction was led by Vladimir Lenin, and their ideology was based on revolutionary Marxism. They believed in the immediate and violent overthrow of the capitalist system to establish a socialist government. The Menshevik faction, on the other hand, was led by Julius Martov, and they believed in a more gradualist approach to achieving socialism. They favored the development of a capitalist economy before transitioning into socialism.
Organizational Structure
The Bolsheviks believed in a tight-knit hierarchical party structure. According to them, the party should be led by professional revolutionaries who were devoted to the cause of the party. The party should also have a centralized decision-making structure, where the leaders had the final say. The Mensheviks, on the other hand, believed in a more decentralized party structure. They favored a looser and more democratic decision-making process, where the rank and file had more control.
Tactics
The Bolsheviks believed in the use of violence and revolution to achieve their goals. They advocated the use of force against the capitalist state and believed in the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat. The Mensheviks, on the other hand, believed in using parliamentary means to achieve their goals. They believed in participating in elections and using legal channels to advance the socialist cause.
Outcome
The Bolsheviks gained power during the October Revolution of 1917, overthrowing the provisional government and establishing a socialist government in Russia. This led to the eventual formation of the Soviet Union. The Mensheviks, on the other hand, became a minority faction within the party and were eventually expelled from the Communist Party in 1921.
In conclusion, the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were two factions within the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that had different backgrounds, organizational structures, tactics, and outcomes. The key differences between the two factions ultimately led to the Bolsheviks gaining power during the October Revolution and the establishment of a socialist government in Russia.
Table difference between bolsheviks and mensheviks
| Comparison | Bolsheviks | Mensheviks |
|---|---|---|
| Ideology | Militant Marxist revolutionary | Supporters of gradual change to socialism |
| Leadership | Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky | Julius Martov, Pavel Axelrod |
| Membership | Small, highly dedicated and disciplined | Larger, more moderate and diverse |
| Tactics | Advocated for violent revolution | Promoted peaceful reform and cooperation with other parties |
| Role in 1917 Revolution | Took power and established communist government | Criticized Bolsheviks for seizing power and splitting the socialist movement |