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 See also the section
on Marxist Classics for more historical analysis.
A Marxist Overview of History
- Historical Materialism
An introduction to Historical Materialism covering the following topics: What is
historical materialism?; primitive communism; the Asiatic mode of production; Ancient
Greece: slavery and democracy; Roman slavery; decline of the Roman empire; the transition
to feudalism; medieval towns; class struggle under feudalism; capitalism; the capitalist
world market; imperialism; revolutionary role of the working class; capitalist crisis.
By Mick Brooks.
Russia and Stalinism
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A Leninist Hero of our Times
In Memory of Valery Sablin: The true story of Red October
On Thursday 7 September, Channel Four in the UK broadcast a fascinating programme as part of its series Secret History, entitled Mutiny - the true story of Red October. This remarkable documentary for the first time gave us the true story behind the 1990 Hollywood movie The Hunt for Red October a film version of a 1984 novel by Tom Clancy. Clancy's story of Marko Ramius, a defecting submarine captain who takes his ship on an epic voyage across the Atlantic, was inspired by real events.
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The revolt on the armored cruiser Potemkin
Following on from the article we published on the mutiny led by Valery Sablin, we are publishing a long-out-of-print eyewitness account of the events that took place on the battleship Potemkin during the 1905 revolution in Russia. This fantastic account was written by Afansy Matushenko, one of the leaders of the revolt. It was written sometime after 1917.
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Hue and Cry Over Kronstadt
In this article from 1938, Trotsky gives an excellent summary of the controversial Kronstadt uprising. He explains the social
roots of the uprising, and makes clear the counter-revolutionary character of the mutiny.
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The Moscow Trials: Shoot the Mad Dogs!
The ideas of Trotsky - which represent the continuation of Marxist thought since Lenin's death - are without question the most slandered set of ideas in history. Together with Marx and Lenin, Trotsky has been subjected to a continual onslaught from capitalist commentators and academics, including the Russian 'democrats' of the Volkogonov type, for his alleged totalitarianism and subversive ideas. In reality, it is the revolutionary message of Marxism which poses a threat to their system - and they must attempt to discredit these ideas at every opportunity. By Rob Sewell. (March 2000)
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Lenin's Last Struggle
This article was written in 1970 to commemorate the Lenin centenary. It details Lenin's
little known struggle with Stalin in the last days of his life. By Alan Woods.
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The Meaning of October
In this look at the history and significance of the Russian Revolution, Alan Woods
examines the process of revolution, the events leading up to the February Revolution, the
role of the Provisional Government, the part played by Lenin and Trotsky in the
revolutionary movement, the ebb and flow of the
revolutionary events from April to the seizing of power in October and draws out the
lessons for the workers’ movement today. (November, 1999)
- Bureaucratism or Workers' Power
This document was written by Ted Grant together with Roger Silverman in 1967 to mark
the fiftieth anniversary of the Russian revolution. The article explains how Stalinism
arose and clearly shows how even at that time the Stalinist bureaucracy was facing a
serious crisis and confidently predicted its inevitable downfall at some stage.
- The Assasination of Leon Trotsky
59 years have passed since that hot afternoon on the
20th of August 1940 in an old house surrounded by leafy trees and cactus in a
peaceful suburb of Coyoacán, in the capital of Mexico. Lev Davidovich Bronstein, better
known as Leon Trotsky, revolutionary Marxist and, alongside Lenin, one of the most
outstanding leaders of the 1905 revolution and the October revolution in Russia, fell
victim to an assassination expressly ordered by Joseph Stalin. Written for www.marxist.com by Trotsky's grandson Estevan (Seva)
Volkov. (August, 1999)
- The Collapse of Stalinism and
the Class Nature of the Russian State
The question of the class nature of Russia has been a central issue in the Marxist
movement for decades. Now, with the collapse of the USSR and the movement in the direction
of capitalism, this question assumes an even greater importance. This work by Ted Grant
and Alan Woods, written in February 1996 approaches the question from a dialectical point
of view. See also the sections on Russia, and Marxist Theory.
- Russia, from Revolution to
Counter-Revolution
This book, by Ted Grant and with a preface by Trotsky's grandson Esteban Volkov, which is
in its final stages and will be approximately 500 pages long, covers the key developments
in Russia since the Revolution right up to the present day. It traces the elimination of
workers' democracy, the rise of Stalinism, the advances of planned economy and the
eventual collapse of the bureaucratic system under Gorbachev. Using the method of Marxism,
Ted Grant uncovers the contradictory developments that have shaped the Soviet Union over
the last 70 years and finally led to its downfall. He also deals in detail with the
present situation in Russia under Yeltsin and assesses the possibilities for a successful
restoration of capitalism. Not since the publication of Trotsky's book "The
Revolution Betrayed" in 1936 has such a detailed and comprehensive Marxist study of
Russia been undertaken. See also the sections on Russia, and Marxist Theory. (Full Book)
World Relations
- The New World Disorder: World Relations at the
dawn of the 21st Century
In this new, 25,000 word document, Alan Woods and Ted Grant analyse the world relations
that have emerged after the collapse of Stalinism in the East. It looks at the effects of
NATO's bombing campaign over Yugoslavia and Russia's war in Chechnya. It also looks at how
the balance of forces between the major power blocs have been affected. The document
analyses this new world (dis)order in which the US have emerged as the dominant
imperialist power among growing tensions and instability, and draws the lessons for
Marxists today. (December 15th, 1999)
The Balkans
- Behind the Stalin-Tito Clash
We reprint this article by Ted Grant, first
published in the July 1948 edition of Socialist Appeal which analyses the real reasons
behind the split between Tito and Stalin.
Iran
- The
Iranian Revolution
1979 article by Ted Grant. Explains how the hated regime of the Shah was overthrown by a
workers' revolution, and how, unfortunately, the revolution was hijacked by the
fundamentalist mullahs.
Britain and Ireland
80th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Great Britain
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Communist party of Britain we publish two articles by Steve Reynolds which explain the struggle of the early pioneers. Rich lessons can be found for the present-day Marxists in the early years of the CPGB and its initial struggle to transform itself into a mass Bolshevik Party.
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The Last Stand of the Levellers
Nowhere is the remoulding of history more apparent than in the history of those revolutionary upsurges where a new ruling class has taken over power or where oppressed common people have taken up arms to destroy their masters. Whole revolutionary movements disappear under the pen of the historian, only to be rediscovered generations later. Lies and truth are entangled so closely that the concept of impartial "historical truth" becomes meaningless. The unsuccessful risings of the peasantry and the working classes are stamped on so viciously and so thoroughly that their spokesmen, even if they survive, are unable to speak in their own defence before the bar of history. By Dudley Edwards.
- 1919: A Land
Fit for Revolution
British Prime Minister Lloyd George promised troops returning from the
carnage of World War One "a land fit for heroes." In place of this utopia they
found a land blighted by unemployment and shortages. Inspired by the end of the war and
the victory of the Russian workers and peasants, the spectre of revolution was taking on
flesh across the continent and Britain was no exception.
- Connolly
and the Easter Uprising
This article, written by Ted Grant in 1966, deals with the lessons from the 1916 Easter
Uprising and the role of the great Irish Marxist Connolly. Nowadays all sections of Irish
society in the 26 counties hypocritically give support to the "brave and undying
heroism of Connolly." The Irish capitalists pretend to honour him. Connolly would
have spit contemptuously in their faces. He fought them, ever since he attained manhood,
in the interests of the Irish workers and of International Socialism.
- Labour and Ireland
The election of a Labour Government in Britain has raised enormous expectations, not least
by workers in Northern Ireland who are looking for a way out of the impasse they have
faced for nearly a century. Yet the Labour leadership remain tied to a
"bi-partisan" approach that has solved nothing in the past, and looks set to
present more of the same for the future. In a short series of articles, Cain O'Mahoney
examines labour's role in Northern Ireland and the lessons that must be learnt:
- Workers
Unity: the Only Solution. From 1907 to the Partition.
- Irish
Labour's Missed Opportunities. From the Partition to the
Troubles.
- Labour
and the Troubles. Background to the troubles and Labour's
role in them.
- Labour
Government Sends in Troops. In 1969 the Wilson government
sent the troops to N. Ireland.
Latin America
- Chile: The Threatening Catastrophe
1971
Written by Alan Woods in September 1971, two years before Pinochet's military
coup. Warned against the threat of a military coup if the Popular Unity government failed
to mobilise the masses and carry out a genuine socialist programme. See Latin America for the latest on Chile.
- Lessons of Chile 1973
The arrest of former Chilean dictator Pinochet in London has generated a lot
interest about Chile. We take advantadge of this opportunity to publish a document written
in 1979 by Alan Woods analysing the history of Chilean labour movement and specially the
period of the socialist coalition government of Allende. Who was behind Pinochet's coup?
What interests was he defending? What were the policies of the Allende government and why
despite all warnings was it unable to prevent the coup? See Latin America for the latest on Chile.
Indonesia
- Revolution and
Counter-Revolution in Indonesia 1965
This article written by Alan Woods in October 1965, provides the reader with an historic
background to the current events in Indonesia. At that time the wrong tactics of the
Communist Party leadership led to the crushing of the revolutionary movement with anything
between 1 and 1.5 million people being killed and the coming to power of Suharto.
See also Indonesia.
Vietnam
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Vietnam 1945 - The Derailed Revolution
In 1975 the Vietnamese people gained a historic victory, driving out the US armed forces and liberating the south.
After 28 years of war the country was reunited and capitalism and landlordism abolished throughout. With these
heroic sacrifices, the Vietnamese workers and peasants paid the price for the defeat of the revolution of 1945,
when they had power in their grasp. Why was this opportunity lost in 1945?
What are the lessons of this defeat for the workers' struggle today?
France
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The Paris Commune of 1871
The Paris Commune of 1871 was one of the greatest and most inspiring episodes in the history of the working class. In a tremendous revolutionary movement, the working people of Paris replaced the capitalist state with their own organs of government and held political power until their downfall in the last week of May. The Parisian workers strove, in extremely difficult circumstances, to put an end to exploitation and oppression, and to reorganise society on an entirely new foundation. 130 years later the lessons of these events are of fundamental importance for socialists today. (By Greg Oxley, Paris, May 16, 2001.)
- The French Revolution
This article was written in 1989 to commemorate 200 years of the Great French Revolution.
We are republishing it with a new introduction by the author.
Alan Woods explains the internal dynamics of the revolution and above all the role
played by the masses.
Germany
- 12 YEARS AFTER THE BERLIN WALL FELL
A dozen years ago to this day, the Berlin Wall fell. The world was changed irrevocably.
The wave of East European revolutions, the unification of Germany, and the collapse of the Soviet Union all followed in quick succession. The world was reshaped, turned upside down.
Germany: from Revolution to Counter-Revolution
In 1918-33 revolution and counter-revolution followed hot on each others' heels. The
barbarity of the Nazis is well documented. Less well known are the events that preceeded
Hitler's rise to power.Rob Sewell gives a picture of the tumultous events - the 1918
revolution, the collapse of the Kaiser's regime, the short-lived Bavarian Soviet Republic,
the Kapp putsch in 1920, the French occupation of the Ruhr in 1923 and the ensuing
revolutionary upheavals culminating in the abortive Hamburg uprising, finally Hitler's
rise to power in 1929-33. Above all this book shows, in the decisive (and tragic) role of
the German workers' leadership, the answer to one of the key questions of the modern era:
how was it possible for the mightiest labour movement in Europe to be trampled under the
iron heel of fascism? (Full Book)
Spain
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The Spanish Revolution 1931-37
This article by Ted Grant was first published in 1973 as part of the discussions which
were taking place in the Spanish underground movement against Franco. I summed up the
lessons of the Spanish revolution and served as a contribution to the rearming of the new
generation of workers and youth in the Spanish Young Socialists, the UGT and the PSOE.
Also available is the introduction
to the 1996 edition of the pamphlet, reprinted as a reply to the Stalinist lies on the
Spanish Civil War which resurfaced again in the discussion around Ken Loach's film Land
and Freedom.
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Lessons of Spain
Ted Grant looks at the lessons of the Spanish Revolution in this introduction to Trotsky's Pamphlet on the subject.
From the selected writings of Ted Grant
The Unbroken Thread. (1938)
Portugal
25 Years of the Portuguese Revolution
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Portuguese revolution we reprint two articles:
Hungary
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The Forgotten Revolution. The Hungarian Soviet Republic of 1919
On March 21st, 1919, the Hungarian Soviet Republic was proclaimed. On the
1st of August, 133 days later, this heroic chapter in the history of the
Hungarian working class was brought to a close. The brief experience of
the Hungarian soviet republic is a source of inspiration for all thinking
workers and socialists. Only by analysing the mistakes of the past will
it be possible to educate the present generation. By Alan Woods. (November 12, 1979)
1968 - Year of Revolution
- 1968: a Year of Revolution
In 1968 the world turned upside down. The long years of the post war economic upswing had
led many to declare that class struggle was obsolete, revolution outdated, the working
class bourgeoisified, capitalism invincible. Within a few short months, though, they were
all proved wrong. Thirty years on, many of the lessons are crucial. That's why, over the
course of this year, we will be publishing a series of articles looking at many of these
events.
- Tet Offensive:
a Turning Point in the Vietnam War
- May 1968
- Czechoslovakia
1968
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- Marx and the Communist Manifesto
In this article Rob Sewell describes the process of production of the Communist Manifesto,
its adoption by the Communist League and its actual publication.
The Holocaust
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The Holocaust - An attempt to explain the inexplicable
We are publishing an article by Inge Eriksson, University lecturer in 'European studies with a historical orientation', at Malmö University, Sweden. The article analyses the roots and conditions that led to the Holocaust under Nazi Germany.
Other
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May Day 2001
As millions of workers and youth take to the streets world-wide to celebrate May Day as a day of international working class solidarity, we need to reassess our common objectives in the light of a growing world crisis of capitalism. By Rob Sewell.
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