# Anarchists and the Situation explained — Essays

> Chapter companion for Essays by Errico Malatesta.

## What happens

The chapter assesses the revolutionary potential of the labor movement, particularly in France, as workers abandon faith in governmental and parliamentary socialism in favor of direct action and solidarity. It highlights the growth of revolutionary syndicalism, the infiltration of anti-militarism, and the risks of corruption and repression. Anarchists are urged to engage actively in trade unions to prevent bureaucratic degeneration and to prepare for armed struggle against the state.

## Themes in this chapter

### Role of the Masses and Direct Action

Workers are abandoning faith in government and turning to direct action, strikes, and solidarity against capitalism and the state.

### Critique of Parliamentary Socialism and Reformism

Parliamentarian Socialists are depicted as corrupted and co-opted by the bourgeoisie, diverting the revolutionary movement.

### Internationalism and Anti-Patriotism

Anti-militarist propaganda is spreading through the army, and patriotic prejudice is being breached, weakening state power.

### Revolution and Violence

The chapter anticipates a final crisis involving armed repression and calls for preparation for a struggle in arms.

## Character check-ins

### Anarchists

Positioned as the vanguard minority whose ideas have infiltrated the broader movement, despite persecution.

### Socialists

Criticized as parliamentarian Socialists who have been corrupted and now serve bourgeois interests.

### the masters

Mentioned as fleeing from blazing factories in the early scenes of revolution.

### Bolshevists

Not directly referenced in the excerpts; omitted.

## Key lines

> The workers show clearly that they have at length lost all confidence in Governmental parties, even when these call themselves Socialist.

Workers have completely lost trust in government parties, including those that label themselves Socialist.

_Highlights the shift away from parliamentary socialism toward direct action._

> Revolutionary Trade Unionism (Syndicalism), which sums up the new tendencies, is certainly not Anarchism; but the spirit that animates it is Anarchist, and all that it has of good is Anarchist.

Revolutionary syndicalism is not identical to anarchism, but its driving spirit and positive aspects are anarchist.

_Distinguishes syndicalism from anarchism while affirming anarchist influence._

> We must especially prevent the 'workers secretaries' taking the place of Members of Parliament, and see that Direct Action does not in its turn become a lie like the so-called sovereignty of the people.

We must stop worker secretaries from becoming a new elite like MPs, and ensure direct action remains genuine.

_Warns against bureaucratic corruption within the trade union movement._

## Links

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