The Internationalism of the Bolshevik Revolution

(Quote of the Week)

In an article marking the second anniversary of the 1917 October Revolution, Bolshevik leader V.I. Lenin noted that the Soviet workers state provided a beacon for proletarian revolutions internationally. Today, following the counterrevolutionary destruction of the Soviet Union after decades of Stalinist betrayal and unrelenting imperialist pressure, the capitalist rulers proclaim the “death of communism” as they step up attacks on workers and the oppressed at home and on the neocolonial countries. Meanwhile, they target the remaining deformed workers states for counterrevolution. The International Communist League is committed to forging Bolshevik workers parties to lead new October Revolutions around the world, the only way to eradicate exploitation, oppression and imperialist war.

Why is Soviet power so firm and stable, despite the incredible ordeals, the terrible famine and the difficulties created by war and economic dislocation?

Because it is the power of the working people themselves, of the millions of workers and peasants.

The workers hold state power. The workers help the millions of labouring peasants.

The Soviet government has overthrown the landowners and capitalists and is steadfastly defending the people against attempts to restore their rule….

Tens and hundreds of millions of workers and peasants all over the world are suffering oppression, humiliation and plunder at the hands of landowners and capitalists. The old state apparatus, whether of a monarchy or a “democratic” (pseudo-democratic) republic, helps the exploiters and oppresses the workers.

Tens and hundreds of millions of workers and peasants in all lands know this; they see it and experience it in their everyday life.

The imperialist war lasted over four years; tens of millions were killed and crippled. What for? For the division of the capitalists’ spoils, for markets, profits, colonies and the power of the banks.

The Anglo-French imperialist predators defeated the German imperialist predators. With every passing day they are exposing themselves for what they are—robbers and plunderers, oppressors of the working folk who batten on the misery of the people and tyrannise weak nations.

That is why support for Soviet power is growing among the workers and peasants of the world.

The severe and arduous struggle against capital was victoriously begun in Russia. It is now spreading in all countries.

It will end in the victory of the World Soviet Republic.

—V. I. Lenin, “Two Years of Soviet Power” (November 1919)