Bolshevik is a term that is often used in discussions about the Russian Revolution and the rise of communism. It is a term that is steeped in history and has a complex meaning that can be difficult to understand. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Bolshevik, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
The term Bolshevik refers to a member of the Bolshevik Party, which was the ruling party in Russia after the October Revolution of 1917. The Bolsheviks were a faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) that believed in the establishment of a socialist state through revolution.
The term Bolshevik is derived from the Russian word bol’shinstvo, which means “majority.” The Bolsheviks adopted this name because they believed they represented the majority of the working class in Russia.
Origin
The Bolshevik Party was founded in 1903 at the Second Congress of the RSDLP. The party was led by Vladimir Lenin, who believed that the only way to achieve a socialist state was through a violent revolution.
The Bolsheviks gained power in Russia during the October Revolution of 1917, which overthrew the Provisional Government that had been established after the February Revolution earlier that year. The Bolsheviks established a socialist state in Russia, which became known as the Soviet Union.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Bolshevik is defined as “a member of the Russian Social Democratic Workers’ Party, which seized power in the October Revolution of 1917 and became the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.”
Merriam-Webster defines Bolshevik as “a member of the extremist wing of the Russian Social Democratic party that seized power in the October Revolution of 1917.”
Associations
The term Bolshevik is associated with the Russian Revolution and the rise of communism. It is also associated with the Soviet Union and the Cold War.
Bolsheviks are often portrayed as violent revolutionaries who were willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals. They are also associated with the idea of a planned economy, in which the state controls all aspects of the economy.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for Bolshevik include communist, Marxist, socialist, and revolutionary.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for Bolshevik include capitalist, conservative, and reactionary.
The same root words
The root word of Bolshevik is bol’shinstvo, which means “majority” in Russian. Other words derived from this root include bol’she, which means “more,” and bol’shoy, which means “big.”
Example Sentences
- The Bolsheviks seized power in Russia during the October Revolution of 1917.
- The term Bolshevik is often associated with the Russian Revolution and the rise of communism.
- Lenin was the leader of the Bolshevik Party during the Russian Revolution.
- Some people view the Bolsheviks as violent revolutionaries who were willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals.