The Bolshevik Myth · Chapter
XXXV: Returning to Petrograd explained
The narrator and the Expedition, including Emma Goldman, face increasing difficulties as they travel through war-torn Ukraine and Russia.
What happens
The narrator and the Expedition, including Emma Goldman, face increasing difficulties as they travel through war-torn Ukraine and Russia. They learn of the Bolsheviks' betrayal of Makhno, the arrest of anarchist comrades, and the military setbacks of the Red Army against Poland and Wrangel. After being robbed and facing dwindling supplies, they decide to return to Petrograd to deliver their collection to the Museum.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
The Bolsheviks' treacherous agreement with Makhno and subsequent attack on his forces, along with the arrest of anarchist comrades, exemplifies the betrayal of revolutionary principles.
Economic Collapse and Survival
The Expedition's struggle with dwindling supplies, reliance on barter, and the peasants' rejection of Soviet money highlight the economic collapse and survival challenges.
Human Suffering and Dehumanization
The narrator's recollection of prison torture in America and the harsh conditions of war, including the threat of execution for theft, underscore human suffering and dehumanization.
Characters to notice
- Emma Goldman
Shares the viewpoint against commissar supervision; her culinary art is noted as resourceful despite empty larder.
- Nestor Makhno
Bolsheviki treacherously broke agreement with him; he helped defeat Wrangel but was then attacked by Red forces.
- Trotsky
Ordered the disarmament of Makhno's forces after they helped defeat Wrangel.
- Henry Alsberg
Safely in Riga after being permitted to leave Russia following forced return from the south.
- Alexander Berkman
Mentioned as a friend arrested in Kharkov along with Volin and Baron.
- Fanya Baron
Arrested in Kharkov along with other anarchists; known for high idealism and revolutionary devotion.
Key passages
“claims the right to our car, and insists on controlling the expeditions by placing a political commissar in charge. The attitude of the Ispart is inimical to free initiative and best effort.”
The Ispart demands control over our car and wants to appoint a political commissar to oversee the expeditions, which stifles free initiative and undermines our best efforts.
The narrator objects to the Ispart's imposition of a commissar, viewing it as a form of spying and denunciation.
“The Bolsheviki, it is charged, have treacherously broken their agreement with Makhno. No sooner had the povstantsi helped to defeat Wrangel than Trotsky ordered their disarmament.”
It is alleged that the Bolsheviks betrayed their pact with Makhno; immediately after the insurgents aided in defeating Wrangel, Trotsky commanded their disarmament.
This betrayal marks a turning point in the relationship between the Bolsheviks and the Makhnovists.
“Only one year ago, yet how far it all seems, how removed from the present!”
It feels like a lifetime ago, even though it's only been a year, so distant from the current reality.
The narrator reflects on the passage of time and the dramatic changes in their circumstances.
“The loss, however great, is not worth a human life.”
No matter how significant the loss, it is not worth sacrificing a human life over.
The narrator expresses relief that the theft investigation did not lead to execution, valuing life over material goods.
