Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the ongoing conflict between different social classes, primarily the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), over control of economic resources and political power. This concept is central to Marxist theory, which posits that history is driven by these conflicts, ultimately leading to revolutionary changes in society. In various historical contexts, class struggle has manifested in revolutions, purges, and social transformations that aim to reshape the power dynamics between these groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The February Revolution was a key event where class struggle emerged, with workers and soldiers rising against the Tsarist regime due to grievances over economic hardship and lack of political representation.
2. During the Great Purge, class struggle was evident as Stalin targeted perceived enemies within the Communist Party and society, including intellectuals and former bourgeois elements, to consolidate his power.
3. Agricultural collectivization aimed at eliminating the kulaks, who were considered a wealthy peasant class resisting the socialist transformation, demonstrating class struggle within rural areas.
4. Class struggle was a fundamental justification for the Soviet government's policies throughout its history, promoting the idea that the proletariat must rise against exploitative classes.
5. Marxist ideologies heavily influenced Soviet actions during key periods like collectivization and purges, as leaders sought to eliminate opposition and create a classless society.

Review Questions

• How did class struggle manifest during the February Revolution, and what were its implications for the collapse of Tsarism?
  • Class struggle was pivotal during the February Revolution as discontent among workers and soldiers led them to revolt against Tsarist authority. The economic hardships faced by these classes fueled their demand for change and rights. This uprising ultimately resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, marking a significant shift in power dynamics and setting the stage for further revolutionary activities.
• In what ways did Stalin utilize the concept of class struggle during the Great Purge to strengthen his regime?
  • Stalin manipulated class struggle during the Great Purge by identifying perceived enemies within the Communist Party and society at large. He framed his violent repression as necessary to protect the revolution from bourgeois elements and other 'counter-revolutionaries.' This allowed him to eliminate rivals and consolidate power while portraying his actions as part of a larger battle for socialism.
• Evaluate how agricultural collectivization reflects Marxist principles of class struggle and its impact on Soviet rural society.
  • Agricultural collectivization embodies Marxist principles as it sought to dismantle capitalist elements within rural society, particularly targeting kulaks as representatives of bourgeois interests. The process aimed at creating collective farms was framed as a necessary step toward a socialist future. However, this resulted in significant resistance from peasants, leading to violence and famine that transformed Soviet rural life and deepened class divisions despite ideological intentions.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class that owns the means of production and holds significant economic power, often opposing the proletariat in class struggle.

Proletariat: The working class who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive, typically seen as the oppressed class in Marxist theory.

Revolution: A significant and rapid change in political power or organizational structures, often resulting from class struggles and leading to social transformations.