Russian Social Democratic Labour Party facts for kids
The Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) was an important political group in Russia. It started in 1898. This party wanted to make big changes in Russia.
The RSDLP believed in ideas called Marxism and socialism. These ideas focused on helping workers and giving them more power. The party's main goal was to lead the workers of Russia and remove the Tsar, who was the ruler of the country.
Inside the party, there were two main groups with different ideas:
- Mensheviks: This group wanted Russia to become a democracy. This means people would have a say in how the country was run. Their leaders included Martov and Potresov.
- Bolsheviks: This group wanted a "dictatorship of the working class." This meant the working people would have complete control, and they believed this was the best way to change society. Their leaders were Plekhanov and Lenin.
Fighting for Change
The Russian Social Democratic Labour Party was not allowed by the government, so it was an illegal party. Even though it was against the law, the party worked hard to fight against the Tsar's rule.
They did many things to try and make changes:
- They organized secret meetings.
- They helped workers go on strikes to demand better conditions.
- They printed illegal newspapers that criticized the Tsar and his government.
Because their activities were illegal, many members of the party faced serious trouble. They were often arrested, put into prison, or sent to hard labor camps.
The Party Splits
In 1917, a big change happened. Lenin and most of the Bolsheviks decided to form their own separate political party. This new party was called the RSDLP(B). Later, it became known as the Russian Communist Party.
During the Russian Civil War, the new Communist government banned the original RSDLP. Some members of the Social Democratic Party joined the Communists, while others had to leave Russia. Sadly, some even became political prisoners.
See also
In Spanish: Partido Obrero Socialdemócrata de Rusia para niños
