Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Miliukov's Speech (Resumé) explained
In this chapter, Reed presents a summary of a speech by Paul Miliukov, a leading Cadet, who attacks the revolutionary democracy's foreign policy, the Soviet's nakaz, and the influence of socialist ideas, accusing them of being pro-German an
What happens
In this chapter, Reed presents a summary of a speech by Paul Miliukov, a leading Cadet, who attacks the revolutionary democracy's foreign policy, the Soviet's nakaz, and the influence of socialist ideas, accusing them of being pro-German and undermining Russia's war effort. He defends the Allies, criticizes the Left for advocating class struggle and immediate peace, and contrasts the Soviet position with what he sees as Russia's national interests, including control of the Dardanelles.
Themes in this chapter
Class Conflict and Polarization
Miliukov's speech sharply contrasts the bourgeois nationalist perspective with the internationalist and class-based views of the revolutionary democracy, highlighting the deepening rift between classes.
Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
The speech is a direct attack on the Soviet's influence over foreign policy, revealing the ongoing power struggle between the Provisional Government and the revolutionary democracy.
National Self-Determination and Emancipation
Miliukov criticizes the nakaz's clauses on the independence of Lithuania and Livonia, accusing them of being supported by German money, reflecting tensions over national self-determination.
Characters to notice
- Paul Miliukov
Delivers a lengthy speech attacking the revolutionary democracy, the Soviet nakaz, and socialist foreign policy, accusing them of being pro-German and undermining Russia's war effort.
- Vladimir Lenin
Miliukov compares Lenin to the Slavophile Keroyevsky, accusing him of believing that Russia's decomposition will bring about the collapse of capitalism.
- Julius Martov
Miliukov attacks Martov's position that only revolutionary pressure of the proletariat can break the dictatorship of imperialist cliques.
- Alexander Kerensky
Miliukov claims that even Kerensky has not escaped the influence of the Zimmerwald Manifesto.
- Matvei Skobelev
Miliukov attacks Skobelev, suggesting his position as a Russian delegate opposed to government foreign policy would be absurd.
- Mikhail Tereshchenko
Miliukov contemptuously accuses Tereshchenko of being afraid to speak his mind or think in terms of Russia's greatness.
Key passages
“The noble Lenin only imitates the noble Keroyevsky when he holds that from Russia will come the New World which shall resuscitate the aged West, and which will replace the old banner of doctrinary Socialism by the new direct action of starving masses—and that will push humanity forward and force it to break in the doors of the social paradise.”
Miliukov accuses Lenin of believing that Russia's collapse will spark a global revolution that will overthrow capitalism and create a new world.
Miliukov frames Lenin's revolutionary internationalism as a naive and dangerous utopianism.
“The German successes are directly proportionate to the successes of those who call themselves the revolutionary democracy. I do not wish to say, 'to the successes of the Revolution,' because I believe that the defeats of the revolutionary democracy are victories for the Revolution.”
Miliukov claims that the revolutionary democracy's gains help Germany, and that their defeats would actually benefit the Revolution.
This statement reflects Miliukov's view that the revolutionary movement is aiding the enemy.
“Anyway, we will imitate the Germans before we will imitate the Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies.”
Miliukov declares that Russia should follow German methods rather than those of the Soviet.
A provocative assertion that aligns the Cadets with German authoritarianism against the Soviet democracy.
