HISTORY OF RUSSIAN REVOLUTION 4: The Bolshevik Revolution’s Breaking Point (1917) - Leon Trotsky cover art

HISTORY OF RUSSIAN REVOLUTION 4: The Bolshevik Revolution’s Breaking Point (1917) - Leon Trotsky

HISTORY OF RUSSIAN REVOLUTION 4: The Bolshevik Revolution’s Breaking Point (1917) - Leon Trotsky

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 The History of the Russian Revolution - Leon Trotsky - HQ Full Book.Part 4 (Vol. I Chapt. 14-18): The Bolshevik Revolution’s Breaking Point (1917).In this gripping episode of The Secrets of Power, we delve into Part 4 of Leon Trotsky’s monumental work, The History of the Russian Revolution (1930), focusing on Chapters 14–18. Trotsky, a central figure in the Bolshevik Revolution and a masterful historian, offers an unparalleled insider’s perspective on the seismic events that reshaped Russia in 1917. These chapters capture a critical juncture in the revolutionary process, where the tides of war, political maneuvering, and ideological clarity converge to propel the Bolsheviks toward power. Written with vivid detail and incisive analysis, Trotsky’s account combines firsthand experience with Marxist rigor, making it a cornerstone for understanding revolutionary dynamics and the forces that drive societal upheaval. This section of the book examines the fragile balance of power in Russia during the spring of 1917, as the Provisional Government grapples with the ongoing World War I, internal dissent, and the rising influence of the Bolsheviks under Lenin’s leadership. Trotsky dissects the contradictions within the ruling elite, the reawakening of the masses, and the strategic recalibrations that set the stage for the October Revolution. His narrative is not just a historical recounting but a masterclass in political strategy, revealing how moments of crisis can be leveraged to transform the course of history. Through expert commentary, narrated excerpts, and modern parallels, this episode brings Trotsky’s insights to life, offering listeners a chance to explore how revolutionary ideas gain traction amid chaos. As we navigate these chapters, we witness the unraveling of the Provisional Government’s authority, the Bolsheviks’ growing clarity under Lenin’s guidance, and the turbulent “April Days” that expose the fault lines of Russia’s dual power structure. Trotsky’s writing, rich with anecdotes and sharp character sketches, paints a vivid picture of a nation on the brink. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student of political theory, or someone curious about the mechanics of societal change, this episode illuminates the strategies, missteps, and raw energy that fueled one of the 20th century’s defining revolutions. In a world still grappling with inequality and power struggles, Trotsky’s analysis remains strikingly relevant, urging us to question who truly holds power and how it can be challenged. Leon Trotsky’s The History of the Russian Revolution (1930) is a towering work of historical and political analysis, chronicling the dramatic events of 1917 that toppled the Russian monarchy and ushered in Bolshevik rule. Part 4, covering Chapters 14–18, captures a pivotal moment in the revolution’s trajectory, as the Provisional Government falters, the Bolsheviks sharpen their strategy, and the masses assert their demands. Written with the insight of a key participant and the precision of a Marxist theorist, Trotsky’s account dissects the interplay of war, ideology, and mass mobilization, offering timeless lessons on power, strategy, and societal transformation. Below is a detailed overview of these chapters, each illuminating a critical facet of the revolutionary process. Chapter 14: The Ruling Group and the WarTrotsky examines the Provisional Government’s struggle to sustain Russia’s role in World War I amid growing unrest. The ruling coalition, a mix of liberal Kadets and moderate socialists, is paralyzed by internal contradictions and the war’s unpopularity. Leaders like Milyukov push for continued military engagement, driven by imperialist goals, but their rhetoric alienates soldiers and workers exhausted by years of carnage and economic hardship. Trotsky illustrates how the war became a lightning rod for discontent, exposing the government’s inability to reconcile bourgeois ambitions with the revolutionary aspirations of the masses. This chapter reveals the ruling group’s fragility, setting the stage for radical forces to gain ground. Chapter 15: The Bolsheviks and LeninThis chapter focuses on Lenin’s return from exile in April 1917 and his transformative impact on the Bolshevik Party. Trotsky portrays Lenin as a strategic genius, whose April Theses call for a break with the Provisional Government and a push for “all power to the Soviets.” Lenin’s clarity contrasts with the hesitancy of other Bolshevik leaders, who initially waver between compromise and confrontation. Through vivid anecdotes, Trotsky shows how Lenin’s arrival galvanized the party, reorienting it toward a revolutionary program rooted in the demands of workers, peasants, and soldiers. This chapter highlights the power of ideological leadership in moments of crisis. Chapter 16: Rearming the PartyTrotsky details the Bolsheviks’ efforts to refine their organization ...
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.