Social Democrats (Marxists)

Question 1

When was Marx’s communist manifesto published?

Answer 1

1847 (Das Kapital was later)

Question 2

Name the two social classes in Marxist theory

Answer 2

Proletariat
- Working class and only have their labour
- Exploited till they develop class consciousness and recognise this exploitation
- They will rise up in revolution against the Bourgeoisie and a new perfect society will emerge

Bourgeoise
- Own anything capital (wealth eg. factories; companies)
- Exploit the Proletariat
- Driven by profit

Question 3

What was impact of Marx initially on Russia?

Answer 3

Doesn’t have much impact in Russia until 1890s

Question 4

When do the Russian Social Democratic Worker Party meet for the first time?

Answer 4

In 1898

Question 5

Why did 2nd SDWP congress continue in Shoreditch?

Answer 5

first one was broken up

Question 6

How many delegates at meeting in Shoreditch?

Answer 6

51 delegates at meeting in Shoreditch

Question 7

What was the discussion in Shoreditch about?

Answer 7

Disagreement over how to bring about a revolution

Question 8

How did Lenin say a revolution should be brought about?

Answer 8

Lenin says the revolution must be brought about by a small group of dedicated revolutionaries and this small group will lead the proletariat

Question 9

What was the small group Lenin believed would overthrow the Bourgeiose called?

Answer 9

He believes that the proletariat can’t lead themselves and needs this small group (called the Vanguard)

Question 10

Who should the Vanguard cooperate with?

Answer 10

Trick question: he believes the vanguard must not cooperate with any other revolutionary groups

Question 11

What was Lenin’s group called and what was the other side called?

Answer 11

Lenin’s group = Bolsheviks (means majority)
Other side = Mensheviks (means minority)

Question 12

What do the Mensheviks argue?

Answer 12

Mensheviks argue that the revolution should be brought about by cooperation with other political parties, trade unions, liberals, Social revolutionaries etc.

Question 13

How are the SDs looking in 1903?

Answer 13

After 1903 the social democrats are divided

Question 14

What were the SDs influence on the 1905 revolution?

Answer 14

The Bolsheviks and Mensheviks played very little part in the revolution of 1905 or any role in Russian politics until WWI for that matter

Question 15

SDs role in the Dumas?

Answer 15

They boycotted the 1st duma, took part in the 2nd Duma and a few Bolsheviks were elected to the 4th Duma as the SRs were boycotting