Question

difference between mensheviks and bolsheviks​

Answer 1

hey. .....

Bolsheviks (and Lenin) believed in the necessity of a revolution led and controlled by the proletariat only, whereas Mensheviks (and Martov) believed that a collaboration with the bourgeoisie was necessary; ... Bolsheviks were radical revolutionaries while Mensheviks were more moderate....

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Answer 2

Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were the two main factions within the Russian Socialist movement at the beginning of the 20thcentury. In Russian, the term “Bolshevik” literally means “majority” whereas “Menshevik” means “minority” – even though, in reality, Mensheviks were often the majority. Despite the common origins and the similar political orientation, the two groups officially divided on November 16, 1903 because of their divergent opinions and the discrepancies between their leaders.

Bolsheviks and Mensheviks had a number of common features and beliefs:

They both strived for the elimination of the capitalist system;

They both wanted to overthrow the Tsarist regime; and

They were both part of the Russian Social-Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP).

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However, the irreconcilable disagreements between the two led to the definitive division, which was preceded by several turbulent conferences and confrontations. In order to properly understand the reasons behind the split, we need to analyze the individual features of each group.

Bolsheviks[1]:

Led by Lenin;

Insisted on the necessity of a highly centralized political party constituted by professional revolutionaries;

Members of the radical majority of the Russian Socialist party;

Employed questionable methods to obtain revenues, including robbery;

Advocated for an immediate seizure of power of the proletariat; and

Believed that Russia could transition directly from a monarchy to a communist society.

Indeed, Lenin was the mastermind and the undiscussed leader of the Bolsheviks. In 1902, in fact, he wrote “What has to be done”: book in which he expressed his view of history and his revolutionary ideals. According to Lenin, polemics and debate were useless, and strong actions were needed to overthrow the Tsarist system; his critical words were particularly directed against the members of the then political environment, who believed that there was no other choice but to wait for history to take its “predetermined course”.

In “What has to be done”, Lenin[2]:

Rejected terrorism;

Promoted the revolution;

Suggested the creation of a supreme organizing body abroad and of a subordinated committee based in Russia;

As members of the supreme body, he proposed Martov, Plekhanov and Vera Zasulich – all members of his newspaper Iskra’s editorial board – and himself; and

Insisted on the necessity of creating a strictly organized party.

The radical ideas laid out by Lenin resulted extremely appealing to many and succeeded in obtaining the support of Russian soldiers and urban workers. However, Lenin’s stance and ideas were the main reasons behind the split between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks.

Mensheviks[3]:

The more moderate faction of the Russian Socialist party had slightly different ideals than its Bolshevik counterpart. According to Mensheviks, and to their leader Martov, social changes had to be achieved through a cooperation with the bourgeoisie and an inclusive, gradual process.

Furthermore, they believed that:

The new party should be inclusive and open to all;

The new party should work within the existing system;

Change had to be gradual and lead to the establishment of a parliamentary democracy;

The proletariat should not dominate the bourgeois revolution; and

A socialist society should be preceded by a liberal capitalist system; therefore, there could be no direct transition from Tsarism to Communism.