Fellow traveller facts for kids

Fellow travellers were people who supported the Soviet Union but were not official members of the Communist Party. They were often writers, artists, and thinkers from Western countries.

These supporters showed their interest and sympathy for the Soviet Union, especially during the time of Stalinism and up until the 1970s. They believed the Soviet Union was building a better society, even if they didn't agree with every single thing the government did.

What is a Fellow Traveller?

A "fellow traveller" was someone who shared some goals or ideas with the Communist Party but chose not to join it. They were not secret agents or spies. Instead, they were often public figures who openly admired certain aspects of the Soviet system.

They might have liked the idea of a society where everyone was equal. Or they might have been impressed by the Soviet Union's efforts in science or education. They saw the Soviet Union as a new experiment in how a country could be run.

Why Did People Become Fellow Travellers?

Many intellectuals and artists in the early to mid-20th century were looking for new ideas. The world had just gone through two World Wars. People were hoping for a better future.

The Soviet Union, which was formed after the 1917 Russian Revolution, promised a society without poverty or unfairness. This vision appealed to many people in Western countries. They felt that their own capitalist societies had problems.

Hopes for a New Society

Some fellow travellers believed that the Soviet Union was trying to create a fairer world. They saw it as a place where workers were valued. They hoped it would lead to a more peaceful future.

They were often critical of their own governments. They thought that the Soviet Union offered a different path. This path seemed to promise a solution to many of the world's problems.

Influence of the Great Depression

The Great Depression in the 1930s made many people question capitalism. Many countries faced huge unemployment and poverty. The Soviet Union, however, claimed to have no unemployment.

This made the Soviet system look appealing to some. They thought that the Soviet Union's planned economy might be better. It seemed to offer stability during a very unstable time.

Famous Fellow Travellers

Many well-known writers, artists, and thinkers were considered fellow travellers. They used their fame to share their views. They often wrote books or articles praising the Soviet Union.

One famous example was the French writer Romain Rolland. He visited the Soviet Union and wrote positively about it. Another was the British playwright George Bernard Shaw. He also expressed admiration for some Soviet policies.

Visiting the Soviet Union

Many fellow travellers visited the Soviet Union. They were often shown impressive factories and schools. They met with Soviet leaders and artists. These visits often strengthened their positive views.

However, they sometimes did not see the full picture. The Soviet government carefully controlled what visitors saw. They wanted to show only the good parts of their system.

The Decline of Fellow Travellers

Over time, many fellow travellers became less supportive of the Soviet Union. More information about the harsh realities of Stalinism became known. This included the lack of freedom and the forced labor camps.

Events like the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and the Prague Spring in 1968 also changed opinions. These events showed how the Soviet Union used force to control other countries.

Changing Views

As the truth about the Soviet Union became clearer, many fellow travellers felt disappointed. They realized that the ideal society they hoped for was not being built. Some openly spoke out against the Soviet Union.

By the 1970s, the idea of a "fellow traveller" had largely faded. The Soviet Union's problems became too obvious to ignore. The dream of a perfect communist society had ended for many.

Images for kids

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  A robot, symbolizing new ideas and the future.