Rosa Luxemburg

Question 1

key ideas

Answer 1

1. social reform: evolutionary socialism and revisionism are not possible as capitalism is based on economic exploitation
2. class consciousness: struggle by the proletariat creates the class consciousness needed to overthrow the capitalist society and state

Question 2

the economy

Answer 2

she believed that any evolutionary or revisionist socialist strategy would leave the capitalist system of economic exploitation intact. revolution was therefore necessary to effect true change.

Question 3

human nature

Answer 3

• she argued that class consciousness would develop naturally from w/in the workers themselves. proletariat discontent against state control would erupt in numerous unsuccessful and successful strikes, culminating in a spontaneous mass strike that would radicalise the workers and bring about a socialist revolution
• she did not believe that a small, disciplined party was needed to lead workers in revolution