The Bolshevik Myth · Chapter
XL: The Lessons of the “Bolshevik Myth” explained
The narrator reflects on their initial faith in the Bolsheviks and the October Revolution, describing how they came to Soviet Russia eager to work alongside the Communists despite theoretical differences.
What happens
The narrator reflects on their initial faith in the Bolsheviks and the October Revolution, describing how they came to Soviet Russia eager to work alongside the Communists despite theoretical differences. Over eighteen months, they witnessed growing inequality, repression, and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals, culminating in the brutal suppression of the Kronstadt uprising, which shattered their remaining hope.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
The narrator details how the Bolsheviks abandoned the principles of the October Revolution, substituting terror and state absolutism for popular initiative and liberty.
Terror and Violence
The chapter extensively discusses terrorism as the Bolsheviks' ultima ratio, describing the red terror, the crushing of Kronstadt, and the systematic repression of workers and peasants.
Dictatorship and State Absolutism
The narrator critiques the Communist Party dictatorship as an irresponsible absolutism that suppressed the masses and concentrated power in a few overlords.
Revolutionary Idealism vs. Reality
The narrator contrasts their initial idealistic vision of the revolution with the harsh reality of Bolshevik rule, marked by inequality, deceit, and oppression.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator recounts their personal journey from revolutionary hope to disillusionment with Bolshevik rule.
- Lenin
Lenin is cited as the architect of the Communist State doctrine and the policy of compromise and zigzag politics.
- Emma Goldman
The narrator refers to themselves in first person, but the text is from Emma Goldman's perspective, detailing her experiences and changing views.
- Alexander Berkman
Implied as a close comrade; the narrator mentions 'my friends' and 'nearest comrades' alienated by their partiality toward the Bolsheviks.
Key passages
“Having paralyzed the constructive efforts of the people, the Communist Party could henceforth count only on its own initiative.”
The Communist Party stifled the people's ability to build, leaving itself as the sole source of action.
Critique of the party's monopolization of power and suppression of grassroots initiative.
“Terrorism has always been the ultima ratio of government alarmed for its existence.”
Terror is the last resort of a government that fears for its survival.
Analysis of the Bolsheviks' reliance on terror as a tool of control.
“Kronstadt was crushed as ruthlessly as Thiers and Gallifet slaughtered the Paris Communards.”
The suppression of Kronstadt mirrored the brutal massacre of the Paris Commune.
Comparison of Bolshevik violence to historical state repression.