(i) Bolsheviks and (ii) Mensheviks.

The Split in the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1898

In 1898, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) experienced a significant split, which led to the formation of two prominent political groups within the party. This division was primarily driven by differences in ideology and strategy, marking a crucial turning point in the history of the Russian revolutionary movement. The two groups that emerged from this split were the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks.

The Bolsheviks
The Bolshevik faction was led by Vladimir Lenin, who played a central role in shaping its ideology and guiding its activities. The Bolsheviks believed in the necessity of a tightly organized and disciplined party, consisting of professional revolutionaries, to lead the proletariat towards a socialist revolution. They advocated for a more radical and uncompromising approach to achieve their goals.

Key Points:
- Leader: Vladimir Lenin
- Advocated for a tightly organized and disciplined party
- Believed in the necessity of professional revolutionaries
- Adopted a more radical and uncompromising approach
- Sought to establish a dictatorship of the proletariat

The Mensheviks
The Menshevik faction was initially led by Julius Martov and represented the more moderate wing of the RSDLP. They argued for a broader membership within the party, including workers, intellectuals, and other progressive elements. The Mensheviks believed in a gradual and evolutionary path to socialism, emphasizing the importance of alliances with other democratic forces and supporting the liberal bourgeoisie.

Key Points:
- Leader: Julius Martov
- Advocated for a broader membership within the party
- Emphasized a gradual and evolutionary path to socialism
- Supported alliances with other democratic forces
- Recognized the role of the liberal bourgeoisie

Reasons for the Split
The split within the RSDLP can be attributed to several factors, including differences in ideology, organizational approaches, and personal rivalries among its leaders. The main points of contention were:

1. Organizational Structure: The Bolsheviks favored a centralized and tightly controlled party structure, while the Mensheviks advocated for a more decentralized and inclusive approach.

2. Revolutionary Strategy: The Bolsheviks believed in the necessity of an immediate and violent overthrow of the existing order, while the Mensheviks favored a more gradual and peaceful transition to socialism.

3. Role of the Proletariat: The Bolsheviks placed greater emphasis on the role of the industrial working class as the vanguard of the revolution, whereas the Mensheviks recognized the importance of broader social forces.

4. Leadership Disputes: Personal rivalries and disagreements among the party leaders, particularly between Lenin and Martov, further fueled the split.

Impact and Significance
The split within the RSDLP had far-reaching consequences for the Russian revolutionary movement. The Bolsheviks, under Lenin's leadership, eventually gained ascendancy and emerged as the leading force in the 1917 Russian Revolution. The party's split also reflected broader ideological divisions within the international socialist movement, which would shape the course of revolutionary politics in the 20th century.

Overall, the division of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1898 into the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Russian revolution. The differing ideologies and strategies of these two groups would ultimately

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