It is crucial that Marxists understand the processes of the Russian Revolution and its degeneration into Stalinist totalitarianism. It is also of utmost importance that we understand fully the class nature of the USSR and the Marxist attitude towards the state.

• The Russian Revolution
• Stalinism and the class nature of the USSR

The Russian Revolution

• 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)

• The Lessons of October
  A great overview of the October revolution by Leon Trotsky written in 1924.

Stalinism and the class nature of the USSR

• The Rise and Fall of the Third International
  An account of the Communist International from its formation after the Russian Revolution to its ignominous dissolution by Stalin.  Written by Ted Grant in 1943.

• 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)

• 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 Class Nature of the Soviet State
  An outstanding outline of the class-nature of the soviet state. A great intro or refresher to the Revolution Betrayed. By Leon Trotsky.

• How Did Stalin Defeat the Opposition?
  By Leon Trotsky. An excellent, brief look at the nature of the Soviet state and the role of the Left Opposition (Trotsky's group opposed to Stalin)

• 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.

• In Defence of the Russian Revolution
  A speech given in Copenhagen. Using the Marxist method, Trotsky defends the revolution's positive and progressiveaspects which need to be defended in spite of the tragic rise of Stalinism. For a full analysis of Russia since 1917 to the present attempts to restore capitalism see Ted Grant's book: Russia, from Revolution to Counter-Revolution.

• The Revolution Betrayed: What is the Soviet Union and Where is it Going?
  The classic work on the degeneration of the Russian Revolution and the class nature of the USSR. By Leon Trotsky.

• 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. (Full Book Online)

• Lenin and Trotsky: What They Really Stood For
  Written as a response to Stalinist lies and falsifications about the ideas of Leon Trotsky and V.I. Lenin. By Ted Grant and Alan Woods. (Full Book Online)