Leninism facts for kids
Leninism is a set of ideas about how a political party should be organized, especially a communist one. It was developed by Vladimir Lenin, a Russian Marxist leader. Leninism suggests that a strong, organized party is needed to help the working class take power. This is seen as a first step towards socialism, where workers control factories and businesses. Leninism is a key part of Marxism–Leninism, which focuses on changing society from a capitalist system to a socialist one.
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Who Was Vladimir Lenin?
Vladimir Lenin was a very important Russian revolutionary and politician. He lived from 1870 to 1924. Lenin led the Bolshevik party, which took power in Russia during the October Revolution in 1917. His ideas built upon the theories of Karl Marx, another famous thinker. Lenin's way of thinking about how to achieve a socialist society became known as Leninism.
Key Ideas of Leninism
Leninism includes several important ideas about how society should change. These ideas focus on the role of a political party and how capitalism works.
The Vanguard Party
Lenin believed that the working class needed strong leadership to achieve a socialist revolution. He called this leadership the "vanguard party." This party would be made up of the most dedicated and disciplined revolutionaries.
- The vanguard party would guide the workers.
- It would help them understand their goals.
- The party would be organized using a method called Democratic Centralism. This means that once a decision is made, everyone in the party must follow it.
- Lenin thought that without this strong, disciplined party, a revolution would not succeed.
Capitalism and Imperialism
Lenin also had ideas about how capitalism works around the world. He believed that capitalism naturally leads to imperialism. Imperialism is when powerful countries try to control weaker countries or regions.
- Lenin thought that capitalist countries needed to expand.
- They would look for new markets and resources in other parts of the world.
- He called imperialism the "highest stage" of capitalism. This meant he saw it as the final and most developed form of capitalism.
- He believed that this global competition between capitalist countries would eventually lead to wars and revolutions.
Leninism's Impact
Leninism had a huge impact on the 20th century. It influenced many communist parties and movements around the world. After Lenin's death, his ideas were further developed and debated by other leaders.
Images for kids
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Vladimir Lenin, whose policies and politics allowed the Bolshevik vanguard party to realise the October Revolution in Russia
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Leon Trotsky was exiled from Russia after losing to Stalin in the factional politics of the Bolsheviks
See also
In Spanish: Leninismo para niños
