Non-fiction Review: Lenin On The Train
The Socialist|Issue 935, 9-15 February 2017

Tense, lively prologue to events which changed the world.

- Niall Mulholland
Non-fiction Review: Lenin On The Train

When the February revolution broke out in Russia in 1917 and the Tsar was overthrown, Vladimir Lenin was living in exile in Switzerland. 

Given his implacable opposition to the imperialist World War One, it was always going to be a major feat for the Bolshevik leader to return to Russia across countries at war, to lead the principled socialist opposition to the new capitalist Provisional Government.

In ‘Lenin on the Train’, Catherine Merridale gives a lively narrative of Lenin’s efforts to get back to revolutionary Russia - “a journey that changed the world” - despite her condemnation of the Bolsheviks once they were in power.

She brings out the crucial role of Lenin, from abroad and on return to Russia, in politically re-orientating the Bolsheviks, so that they were able to go on to lead millions of workers, soldiers and poor peasants and take power in October.

Caught unawares

The Tsarist regime and British diplomatic sources were largely caught unawares by the February revolution, which broke out over food shortages and as seemingly endless war exacted a huge death toll. And they were in denial.

“The striking feature of the British diplomatic and intelligence correspondence at this point was its refusal to accept the finality (let alone legitimacy) of the February Revolution as a whole,” Merridale notes.

Lenin urgently looked for a way back to Russia and explored several options. He was approached indirectly by the notorious intriguer and former Marxist thinker, Alexander Helphand (also known as Parvus), who suggested striking a deal with the German regime to allow Lenin and other socialists to return to Russia in a ‘sealed’ train across German territory.

この蚘事は The Socialist の Issue 935, 9-15 February 2017 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は The Socialist の Issue 935, 9-15 February 2017 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

THE SOCIALISTのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Tory Infighting Escalates Workers' Action Can Oust Them
The Socialist

Tory Infighting Escalates Workers' Action Can Oust Them

Socialist Party executive committee

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 980, 1-7 February 2018
Capita In Crisis: Bring All Outsourcers Back In-House
The Socialist

Capita In Crisis: Bring All Outsourcers Back In-House

Shares in outsourcing giant Capita have collapsed following the company’s profit warning to shareholders. This follows shortly after its competitor Carillion sank into liquidation, and underlines further the fragile state of British capitalism.

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 981, 8-14 February 2018
Tragic Death Exposes Criminal Understaffing Of NHS
The Socialist

Tragic Death Exposes Criminal Understaffing Of NHS

After the tragic death of a six-year-old child, Jack Adcock, a doctor and nurse have been removed from their professional registers and given two-year suspended prison sentences for manslaughter.

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 981, 8-14 February 2018
The Socialist Party Is Being Evicted - We Need You!
The Socialist

The Socialist Party Is Being Evicted - We Need You!

Building fund finance appeal launched

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 981, 8-14 February 2018
Tamil Youth March For Justice: Sack The 'Cut-Throat' Brigadier
The Socialist

Tamil Youth March For Justice: Sack The 'Cut-Throat' Brigadier

Isai Priya National chair, Tamil Solidarity

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 982, 15-21 February 2018
Oxfam Scandal: We Need Democratic Aid And Working Class Solidarity
The Socialist

Oxfam Scandal: We Need Democratic Aid And Working Class Solidarity

Sarah Sachs -Eldridge Socialist Party national organiser

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 982, 15-21 February 2018
Sadiq Khan's Bus Drivers' London Licence Doesn't Go Far Enough
The Socialist

Sadiq Khan's Bus Drivers' London Licence Doesn't Go Far Enough

Mo London bus driver

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 982, 15-21 February 2018
We Can Save Our NHS
The Socialist

We Can Save Our NHS

Chatsworth nurse and Mansfield Socialist Party

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 983, 22-28 February 2018
Usdaw Victory - Socialist Party Member Amy Murphy Wins Presidential Election
The Socialist

Usdaw Victory - Socialist Party Member Amy Murphy Wins Presidential Election

Tesco worker and Socialist Party member Amy Murphy has been elected president of the shop workers’ union Usdaw.

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 983, 22-28 February 2018
Victory: Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre Saved
The Socialist

Victory: Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre Saved

Caerphilly Socialist Party

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 983, 22-28 February 2018