Set against the backdrop of the post-October Revolution era, the narrative explores Leon Trotsky's crucial role alongside Lenin in establishing the Third (Communist) International. This world party aimed to unify the working class but faced significant challenges and opposition. The book delves into the ideological battles and struggles necessary to construct the International, highlighting the complexities of revolutionary movements and the diverse perspectives that shaped its formation.
The book features a collection of articles and letters by Trotsky, stemming from a significant polemic within the American trotskyist movement between 1939 and 1940. This dispute addressed fundamental aspects of Marxism, showcasing Trotsky's engagement in critical debates of his time. It is recognized as one of his major contributions, reflecting his intellectual rigor and the complexities of Marxist theory during a pivotal historical moment.
Focusing on the early 20th century, this collection captures Leon Trotsky's insights during a critical period for British capitalism, marked by economic decline and intense class struggles. As the country faced significant upheaval, Marxists aimed to establish a mass revolutionary party to challenge the existing capitalist system. Trotsky's writings offer a compelling analysis of these historical events and the revolutionary potential they inspired.
Focusing on the contributions of a pivotal figure in the Bolshevik movement, this reissue highlights the innovative ideas and charismatic personality of Trotsky, as well as the tragic elements of his life. It serves as a valuable resource for students interested in early-twentieth century Russia, the Russian Revolution, and Trotsky's writings, offering insight into his lasting impact on revolutionary thought.
Regarded by many as among the most powerful works of history ever written, this book offers an unparalleled account of one of the most pivotal and hotly debated events in world history. -- p.[4] of cover
This priceless historical document by the Bolshevik leader features firsthand accounts from the top levels of the Russian revolutions of 1905 and 1917. Trotsky chronicles the struggle to consolidate a government run by workers and peasants, along with the rift between Lenin and Stalin and its political consequences.
The book features a series of writings by Leon Trotsky, who delves into the class origins and characteristics of fascist movements. Drawing on the principles established by the Communist International during Lenin's era, Trotsky outlines a strategy for the working class to effectively combat and confront the threat of fascism. His analysis serves as both a historical critique and a call to action against this dangerous ideology.
A pivotal figure in the Russian Revolution, Leon Trotsky played a crucial role as the founder of the Red Army and was influential in shaping political thought in the twentieth century. His extensive writings encompass literature, history, morality, and politics, reflecting his diverse intellectual contributions and enduring impact on revolutionary ideology.
One of Marxism's most important texts, The Revolution Betrayed explores the
fate of the Russian Revolution after Lenin's death. Written in 1936 and
published the following year, this brilliant and profound evaluation of
Stalinism from the Marxist standpoint prophesied the collapse of the Soviet
Union and subsequent related events. The effects of the October Revolution led
to the establishment of a nationalized planned economy, demonstrating the
practicality of socialism for the first time. By the 1930s, however, the
Soviet workers' democracy had crumbled into a state of bureaucratic decay that
ultimately gave rise to an infamous totalitarian regime. Trotsky employs
facts, figures, and statistics to show how Stalinist policies rejected the
enormous productive potential of the nationalized planned economy in favor of
a wasteful and corrupt bureaucratic system. Six decades after the publication
of this classic, the shattering of Stalinist regimes in Russia and Eastern
Europe has confused and demoralized countless political activists. The
Revolution Betrayed offers readers of every political persuasion an insider's
view of what went wrong.
Trotsky was a leading Bolshevik revolutionary and Marxist theorist. He was a central leader of the Russian revolution and an influential politician in the early days of the Soviet Union. As the founder of the Fourth International, he continued in exile to encourage workers and oppressed peoples to unite against capitalism, and for socialist revolution.
