Bolsheviki: meaning, definitions and examples

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bolsheviki

 

[ bɒlʃəˈviːki ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical term

Bolsheviki were members of the Bolshevik Party, a faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party led by Vladimir Lenin. They were instrumental in the October Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of a socialist government in Russia. The name 'Bolshevik' means 'one of the majority', a reference to their faction's dominance at the 1903 party congress. The Bolsheviki promoted Marxist ideology and aimed to achieve a proletarian state through revolution. Their policies ultimately led to the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Synonyms

Communists, Leninists, Revolutionaries

Examples of usage

  • The Bolsheviki took control after the October Revolution.
  • Many Bolsheviki believed in the principles of Marxism.
  • The Bolsheviki were instrumental in transforming Russian society.
  • The impact of the Bolsheviki is still felt in modern politics.

Translations

Translations of the word "bolsheviki" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bolcheviques

🇮🇳 बोल्शेविक

🇩🇪 Bolschewiken

🇮🇩 Bolshevik

🇺🇦 большевики

🇵🇱 bolszewicy

🇯🇵 ボルシェビキ

🇫🇷 bolcheviks

🇪🇸 bolcheviques

🇹🇷 Bolshevikler

🇰🇷 볼셰비키

🇸🇦 البلاشفة

🇨🇿 bolševici

🇸🇰 boľševici

🇨🇳 布尔什维克

🇸🇮 bolševiki

🇮🇸 bolsévikkar

🇰🇿 большевиктер

🇬🇪 ბოლშევიკები

🇦🇿 bolşeviklər

🇲🇽 bolcheviques

Etymology

The term 'Bolshevik' originates from the Russian language, derived from the word 'bol'shinstvo', meaning 'majority'. The Bolsheviks emerged from a split in the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1903, with Vladimir Lenin advocating for a focused approach to revolution, contrasting with the Mensheviks, who supported a broader coalition. The Bolsheviki distinguished themselves by their commitment to a one-party state and the centralized control of the economy and politics. Their ideology grew in popularity among the working class and intellectuals during the social and economic turmoil in early 20th-century Russia. The success of the October Revolution in 1917 solidified their power and paved the way for the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1922. Over time, the Bolsheviki's practices and policies evolved, leading to various interpretations of Marxism, ultimately influencing communist movements worldwide.