Communism: The Role Of Imperialism In Russia

Despite the poor working conditions and the inequality that industrialization under capitalism creates (“The Industrial Revolution and Economic Growth”, 529) it is still a necessary step for Russia because it lays the groundwork for a successful socialist and eventually communist system of government that will allow all members of Russia to flourish. “[The Communist] openly declare that their ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions;”(Carl Marks and Friedrich Engel, The Communist Manifesto) Therefore it is important to note that capitalism is an impractical form of government that should not be implemented for any long term scenario it is merely a stepping stone that is unfortunate but essential to the development of a successful government. Then why must Russia endure capitalism? Why not skip straight to communism? It is for this reason, A does not equal C meaning that each step in the process is essential to getting the end result.
Industrialization,while still unjust, actually allows the lower class to begin to rise. As seen in most Western
governments as the industrial revolution progresses education is an essential part of raising the standards for the lower class. Starting around 1870 mass education became more and more common partly as a result of Industrialization. While there is still a divide seeing that “secondary and university education [is] primarily for the elite or wealthier middle class” (Speilvogel, 703), mass education is opening up new job possibilities for the lower class. In that way and a few others, industrialization actually boosts the lower class and prepares for socialism. Another example of this is the introduction of new leisurely activities which are important because with the subways and streetcars even working classes could make their way to athletic games, amusement parks and dance halls or the beach. Wages began to rise, workers were given paid vacations, and the idea of tourism is born. (Speilvogel, 704) Not only does industrialization help raise conditions for workers but it also introduces the idea that life can be more than money and additionally it unites the world in a small, but important, way. So the most beneficial system of government for Russia would be industrialization under capitalism with the full intent to transition into socialism looking to Britain as an example.
Due to the poor working and living standards for the lower class in Britain as well as the idea of an equal, socialist society, workers began to revolt as they have throughout history. What is making Britain successful is that they welcome the revolts as natural and listen to the workers demands. They see how throughout history revolutions have created change in the social order and so in that way they should be seen as a positive sign that change is underway. By listening to the workers cry and working with them to raise standards Britain is smoothly transitioning from a capitalist society to a socialist one. Russia should follow this example and steer away from the rejection of revolution. If Russia rejects the revolution, like France, mayhem could arise. By ignoring the demands of workers the upper class further distances itself from the lower one creating an inevitable clash between classes. It becomes a war rather than a gradual progression. After France’s revolution their economy began to decline this can be attributed to the flaw with how France handled the revolution. (Spielvogal, 665) Since there was a complete overthrow once the lower class established a new system there was no plan in place. Since revolts are already beginning in the countryside of Russia this transition is already in progress. The best way to handle the revolts is to listen to the demands of workers and gradually meet their demands. This will prevent a situation in which Russia’s economy will crash and instead will rise up the lower class to the power of the upper one creating a linear financial and social situation for Russia. The long term goal of Marxism is “the abolition of all states and governments” (Various authors,Reading About the World, Volume 2,).
Imperialism in that sense is not a productive policy to pursue. Russia need to focus on internal affairs before they take their ideas global. Imperialism consists of “a country [increasing] its power by gaining control over other areas of the world” (Merriam Webster Dictionary). Imperialism is an idea which counteracts with a state of global equality because it creates an inevitable hierarchy where the conquerors have more power than the people they overtake. However, since Russia already encompasses regions outside historical Russia it would be counterproductive to cut off those areas leaving them to begin the process of communism again. Because the goal is to have the entire world be equal by keeping those regions just hastens that
process.