What were the major ideological differences between the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks?

The major ideological differences between the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks can be summarized as follows:

1. Revolutionary Strategy: The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, believed in the necessity of a small, disciplined revolutionary party that would seize power through a violent uprising. They advocated for a vanguard of professional revolutionaries who would lead the working class in a socialist revolution. In contrast, the Mensheviks, led by Julius Martov, believed in a more gradual and inclusive approach to revolution. They argued for a broader coalition of workers, peasants, and liberal bourgeoisie to bring about social change.

2. Class Composition: The Bolsheviks primarily represented the interests of the urban working class and believed in the central role of industrial workers in the revolution. They aimed to establish a dictatorship of the proletariat, where workers would have direct control over the means of production. On the other hand, the Mensheviks had a broader base of support, including workers, peasants, and intellectuals. They believed in a more democratic and representative system that would include multiple classes in the revolutionary process.

3. Party Structure: The Bolsheviks advocated for a highly centralized and disciplined party structure, with strict party loyalty and a strong leadership. They believed in the importance of a tightly organized party to achieve their revolutionary goals. In contrast, the Mensheviks favored a more decentralized and democratic party structure, with a greater emphasis on individual freedom and decision-making within the party.

4. Internationalism vs. Nationalism: The Bolsheviks were internationalists, believing in the spread of revolution beyond Russia's borders. They aimed to establish a global socialist order and actively supported revolutionary movements in other countries. The Mensheviks, on the other hand, were more focused on the national context and believed in the need to prioritize the development of Russia before exporting revolution.

These ideological differences ultimately led to a split between the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks in 1912, with the Bolsheviks emerging as the more radical and revolutionary faction. The Bolsheviks went on to lead the successful October Revolution in 1917 and establish the Soviet Union, while the Mensheviks gradually lost influence and were eventually suppressed by the Bolshevik regime.