Lecture Notes: Professor Dante Salazar on Lenin and the Russian Revolution

Introduction

• Professor Dante Salazar addresses the questions about Lenin and the Russian Revolution.
• A letter from Luis Jaimito is read, discussing his brother Lenin's intense behavior.

Lenin's Early Life

• Birth and Family:
  • Born Vladimir Ilich Ulianov in 1870 into a middle-class family in Russia.
  • Not from the peasant class but lived comfortably.
• Education and Interests:
  • Bright student, interested in chess and languages.
• Family Tragedy:
  • Father's death in 1886 deeply affected him.
  • Brother’s involvement in a radical group influenced his views.

Introduction to Marxism

• Influence of Marxism:
  • Introduced to Marxism by his brother.
  • Became defiant against authority, adopting radical views.

Political Career

• Radical Involvement:
  • Joined socialist groups and participated in protests and political debates.
• Russian Context:
  • Russia was impoverished, with immense social inequality and illiteracy.
  • Ruled by an unpopular Czar, Nikolai II.

Russian Revolutions

• February Revolution 1917:
  • Massive protests led to Czar Nikolai II's abdication.
  • Soviets (self-governing councils) were formed.
• Provisional Government:
  • Led by Alexandr Kerensky, but unpopular and similar to Czarist regime.

Lenin's Return and October Revolution

• Return from Exile:
  • Lenin returned to Russia with the help of Germany.
  • Advocated for a communist revolution.
• October Revolution 1917:
  • Bolsheviks seized power, leading to the establishment of a Soviet government.

Establishing Communist Rule

• Bolsheviks in Power:
  • Lenin dissolved the Assembly after losing elections.
  • Used Cheka (secret police) to suppress opposition.
• Civil War:
  • Red Army (Bolsheviks) vs. White Army (opponents).
  • Red Army victory in 1921 solidified Bolshevik control.

Lenin's Leadership and Death

• Policies and Impact:
  • Implemented agrarian and industrial reforms.
  • Strengthened communist governance.
• Health Decline:
  • Assassination attempt worsened his health.
  • Died in 1924; succeeded by Stalin.

Conclusion

• Lenin's Legacy:
  • Controversial figure; seen as both a liberator and tyrant.
  • His actions significantly impacted the 20th century.
• Luis Jaimito's Brother:
  • Despite Lenin's historical importance, Luis's brother is just a jerk.

Miscellaneous

• Cultural References:
  • Lenin's body was embalmed and displayed as a symbol.
  • Mention of "Baby Lenin" cultural phenomenon.