Pavel Axelrod and the Development of Menshevism (Russian Research Center studies)

Pavel Borisovich Axelrod was one of the few early leaders of Russian Marxism to come from the lower classes. These origins no doubt made it easier for him than for his comrades to identify fully with the masses he hoped to liberate economically, spiritually, and morally. This is the first full-scale biography of Axelrod, who was the chief ideologist and tactician of the Menshevik party. Abraham Ascher traces and analyzes the development of Menshevism, describes the other radical currents in Russia, including Bakuninism, and illuminates both the ideological struggles and the practical problems of the Marxist leadership. Abraham Ascher bases his study on Axelrod's personal archive as well as on extensive primary and secondary materials. Acknowledgments Contents Prologue I. In Search of a Cause II. A Bakuninist in Conflict III. The Turn to Marxism IV. The Solitary Years V. Expansion and Turbulence VI. The Birth of Menshevism VII. The Deepening of the Split VIII. The Failure of Conciliation IX. The Crises of Violence: War and Revolution X. Conscience of the Party Epilogue Bibliography Index Russian Research Center Studies