The Second International (1889–1916), was an organisation of socialist and labour parties formed in Paris on 14 July 1889. At the Paris meeting, delegations from twenty countries participated.

Second international was an international association formed in 1889 in Paris, uniting socialistic groups or parties of various countries and holding international congresses from time to time: in 1923 it joined with the Vienna International to form the Labor and Socialist International.

Formation of the Second International
The Second International was established in 1889 during a congress in Paris. It emerged as a response to the growing labor movements and the need for international coordination among socialist parties.

Key Features of the Second International
- **Purpose**: The primary aim was to unite various socialist groups and labor parties to promote socialist goals on a global scale.
- **Theoretical Foundations**: It was heavily influenced by Marxist ideology, emphasizing class struggle and the necessity of proletarian revolution.
- **Major Decisions**: The International adopted the May Day celebration as a day of labor, advocating for workers' rights and better working conditions.

Impact on Socialism in Europe
- **Worker Solidarity**: The Second International fostered a sense of solidarity among workers across Europe, encouraging them to fight for common causes such as the eight-hour workday and universal suffrage.
- **Political Influence**: It significantly influenced the formation of socialist parties in various countries, leading to increased political engagement and representation for the working class.

Prelude to the Russian Revolution
- **Crisis and Division**: The Second International faced internal divisions over approaches to war and revolution, especially during World War I.
- **Bolshevik Revolution**: This disunity paved the way for the Bolsheviks, who rejected the reformist strategies of the Second International, leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Conclusion
The Second International played a crucial role in shaping the socialist movement in Europe and set the stage for revolutionary ideologies that would culminate in significant political upheavals, most notably the Russian Revolution. Its legacy continues to influence contemporary socialist thought and labor movements.