What was the difference between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks?
Bolshevik :1.the Bolsheviks under their leader Lenin constituted a majority of socialist. 2 :They wanted to work for revolution. 3 :they wanted to make the party an instrument for bringing about the revolution. 4 :they favoured a discipline party to control the members. About Mensheviks :1:the Mensheviks represented a minority groups under the leadership of Alexander kerenskii. 2 :They believed in gradual change and established of a parliamentary form of government like that of France and Britain. 3:they favoured a party which was open to all and to work within the system.
What was the difference between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks?
The Difference between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks
The Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were two factions within the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party (RSDLP) that emerged in the early 20th century. While both groups shared a common ideology of Marxism, they differed in their strategies, tactics, and goals for achieving a socialist revolution in Russia.
1. Origins and ideology:
- The split between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks can be traced back to the Second Congress of the RSDLP in 1903.
- The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, believed in a more centralized and disciplined party structure, advocating for a small, tightly-knit group of professional revolutionaries.
- The Mensheviks, led by Julius Martov, favored a broader party membership, including workers, intellectuals, and professionals, and believed in a more open and democratic approach.
2. Strategy and tactics:
- The Bolsheviks advocated for a violent and immediate overthrow of the tsarist regime, while the Mensheviks believed in a more gradual and peaceful transition to socialism.
- The Bolsheviks believed in the importance of a strong centralized leadership and a disciplined party structure, while the Mensheviks argued for a more decentralized and inclusive approach.
3. Class composition and support base:
- The Bolsheviks primarily drew their support from the urban working class and the industrial proletariat, emphasizing the need for a workers' revolution.
- The Mensheviks had a broader support base, including workers, intellectuals, and liberal-minded professionals. They believed in a more diverse and inclusive coalition for social change.
4. Attitude towards other political parties:
- The Bolsheviks were more hostile towards other political parties, including other socialist and liberal groups. They viewed themselves as the vanguard of the revolution and aimed to establish a one-party state.
- The Mensheviks were more inclined towards cooperation and coalition-building with other political factions, including liberal and moderate socialist groups.
5. Role in the 1917 Russian Revolution:
- During the February Revolution of 1917, both the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks played significant roles in opposing the tsarist regime. However, their approaches differed.
- The Mensheviks initially supported the Provisional Government, while the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, denounced it as a bourgeoisie-led regime and called for its overthrow.
- The Bolsheviks' more radical and decisive actions eventually led to their seizure of power in the October Revolution, marking the beginning of Soviet Russia.
In summary, the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks differed in their strategies, tactics, and goals for achieving a socialist revolution in Russia. The Bolsheviks favored a violent and immediate overthrow of the tsarist regime, while the Mensheviks advocated for a more gradual and peaceful transition. The Bolsheviks had a narrower support base primarily consisting of the urban working class, while the Mensheviks had a broader coalition. The Bolsheviks aimed for a centralized and disciplined party structure, while the Mensheviks desired a more decentralized and inclusive approach. Ultimately, the Bolsheviks' more radical actions during the 1917 revolution led to their rise to power and the establishment of Soviet Russia.
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