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My Disillusionment in Russia · Chapter

The Betrayal of the Revolution explained

This chapter critiques the Bolshevik consolidation of power, arguing that the Communist Party eliminated rival revolutionary groups, subordinated independent organizations like the Soviets, trade unions, and cooperatives to the state, and u

What happens

This chapter critiques the Bolshevik consolidation of power, arguing that the Communist Party eliminated rival revolutionary groups, subordinated independent organizations like the Soviets, trade unions, and cooperatives to the state, and ultimately betrayed revolutionary ideals. It analyzes Lenin's 'New Economic Policy' as a logical culmination of his pragmatic, state-centered politics, contrasting it with the hopes of true communism and highlighting the disillusionment of devoted communists.

Themes in this chapter

  • Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals

    The chapter argues that the Bolsheviks betrayed the revolution by subordinating Soviets, trade unions, and cooperatives to the state, and by implementing policies that contradicted communist promises.

  • State Power vs. Individual Freedom

    The Communist Party's elimination of independent organizations and suppression of dissent illustrates the primacy of state power over individual and collective freedoms.

  • Disillusionment with Revolution

    The chapter describes the disillusionment of devoted communists who left the party or resorted to suicide upon realizing the NEP and the party's authoritarian direction.

Characters to notice

  • Lenin

    Portrayed as a shrewd, pliable politician who prioritized the centralized state over revolution or communism, willing to sacrifice both for his political scheme.

  • Trotsky

    Mentioned as having lived abroad in safety while older party members faced danger under the old regime.

Key passages

  • “unless one considers thirty-three categories of pay, different food rations, privileges to some and indifference to the great mass as Communism.”

    The author dismisses the idea that the Bolshevik system, with its unequal pay and privileges, constitutes true communism.

    Highlights the gap between communist ideals and Bolshevik reality.

  • “Lenin was the most pliable politician in history. He could be an ultra-revolutionary, a compromiser and conservative at the same time.”

    Lenin is described as a flexible politician who shifted positions as needed to maintain power.

    Critique of Lenin's ideological consistency.

  • “The centralized political State was Lenin’s deity, to which everything else was to be sacrificed.”

    Lenin's ultimate goal was a strong central state, for which he was willing to sacrifice the revolution and the country.

    Central thesis of the chapter regarding Lenin's motivations.

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