Socialism in Europe: Rise and Key Figures

Socialism in Europe

• Rise of Socialism: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, socialism emerged as a major ideology in Europe, responding to the social and economic problems created by industrialization.
• Key figures:
  • Karl Marx: Criticized capitalism, advocated for a classless society, and wrote "Das Kapital".
  • Friedrich Engels: Collaborated with Marx, wrote "The Condition of the Working Class in England".
  • Vladimir Lenin: Led the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, adapted Marxism to Russian context.
• Types of Socialism:
  • Reformist Socialism: Focused on gradual, peaceful reforms within capitalist systems (e.g., social democracy).
  • Revolutionary Socialism: Advocated for violent overthrow of capitalism and establishment of a socialist state (e.g., communism).

Russian Revolution

• Causes:
  • Economic hardship: Russia's economy was struggling, with widespread poverty and inequality.
  • Political repression: Tsar Nicholas II's authoritarian rule and lack of civil liberties.
  • World War I: Russia's disastrous involvement led to food shortages, inflation, and military defeats.
• February Revolution (1917):
  • Mass protests and strikes in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
  • Provisional Government established, led by Alexander Kerensky.
• October Revolution (1917):
  • Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, overthrew the Provisional Government in a largely bloodless coup.
  • Established the world's first socialist state, with the Bolsheviks as the ruling party.
• Aftermath:
  • Civil War (1918-1922): Bolsheviks fought against anti-communist forces, eventually emerging victorious.
  • Establishment of the Soviet Union: In 1922, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic became the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Socialism in Europe

• Emerged as a major ideology in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to social and economic problems created by industrialization
• Key figures:
  • Karl Marx: Criticized capitalism, advocated for a classless society, and wrote "Das Kapital"
  • Friedrich Engels: Collaborated with Marx, wrote "The Condition of the Working Class in England"
  • Vladimir Lenin: Led the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, adapted Marxism to Russian context
• Types of Socialism:
  • Reformist Socialism: Focused on gradual, peaceful reforms within capitalist systems (e.g., social democracy)
  • Revolutionary Socialism: Advocated for violent overthrow of capitalism and establishment of a socialist state (e.g., communism)

Russian Revolution

• Causes:
  • Economic hardship: Russia's economy was struggling with widespread poverty and inequality
  • Political repression: Tsar Nicholas II's authoritarian rule and lack of civil liberties
  • World War I: Russia's disastrous involvement led to food shortages, inflation, and military defeats
• February Revolution (1917):
  • Mass protests and strikes in Petrograd (St.Petersburg) led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II
  • Provisional Government established, led by Alexander Kerensky
• October Revolution (1917):
  • Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, overthrew the Provisional Government in a largely bloodless coup
  • Established the world's first socialist state, with the Bolsheviks as the ruling party
• Aftermath:
  • Civil War (1918-1922): Bolsheviks fought against anti-communist forces, eventually emerging victorious
  • Establishment of the Soviet Union: In 1922, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic became the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)