My Disillusionment in Russia · Chapter
Preface to Second Volume of American Edition explained
Emma Goldman explains the circumstances behind the missing chapters of the first edition of her book, defends her critique of Bolshevism against reviewers like Henry Alsberg and H.L.
What happens
Emma Goldman explains the circumstances behind the missing chapters of the first edition of her book, defends her critique of Bolshevism against reviewers like Henry Alsberg and H.L. Mencken, and argues that the Bolshevik regime's terror and dictatorship persist even after the end of military necessity, calling on the world to recognize the true character of Bolshevism.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment with Revolution
Goldman defends her title 'My Disillusionment in Russia' and argues that Bolshevik methods betrayed the revolution.
State Power vs. Individual Freedom
Goldman criticizes the Bolshevik dictatorship for suppressing free speech, press, and political opposition.
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
She asserts that the Communist Party threw away the 'yolk' of the revolution, substituting Bolshevism for true revolutionary goals.
Ethics and Revolutionary Means
Goldman engages with Alsberg's argument that 'the means largely determines the end,' and insists that Bolshevik terror was not a grim necessity but a choice to preserve party dictatorship.
Characters to notice
- Emma Goldman
Author of the preface, reflecting on her disillusionment and defending her work against critics.
- Lenin
Mentioned as deceased; his New Economic Policy (NEP) raised hopes that were later dashed by renewed terror.
- Chicherin
Quoted as assuring world capitalists that Russia's natural wealth is 'waiting to be exploited.'
Key passages
“The Russian experiment has proven the fatality of a political party usurping the functions of the revolutionary people, of an omnipotent State seeking to impose its will upon the country, of a dictatorship attempting to 'organize' the new life.”
Goldman concludes that the Russian Revolution showed the disastrous consequences of a party seizing control from the people, an all-powerful state enforcing its will, and a dictatorship trying to direct the new society.
Summarizes her core critique of Bolshevik rule.
“The 'moments of grim necessity' are gone, but the Terror, the Cheka, suppression of free speech and press, and all the other Communist methods enumerated by Mr. Alsberg still remain in force. Indeed, they are being applied even more brutally and barbarously since the death of Lenin.”
Goldman argues that despite the end of the civil war and counterrevolution, the Bolsheviks continue and even intensify their repressive tactics after Lenin's death.
Highlights the persistence of state terror beyond wartime necessity.