Bolshevism: The Enemy of Political and Industrial Democracy

"Bolshevism: The Enemy of Political and Industrial Democracy" by John Spargo is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work seeks to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Bolshevism and its implications for democracy in both political and industrial spheres, focusing primarily on Russia's revolutionary movements. Spargo approaches this topic from a critical perspective, aiming to outline the philosophy, programs, and actions of the Bolsheviki while contrasting them against the principles of democracy. The opening of the book introduces John Spargo's intent to present a fair and balanced examination of Bolshevism, distancing himself from sensationalism and aiming for a scientific analysis. He discusses the historical background that has led to the rise of revolutionary movements in Russia, mentioning key figures like the Decembrists and social reformers. Spargo emphasizes the failures of Russia's autocracy and the plight of the working class, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the violent and tumultuous revolutionary actions that follow, outlining early influences on the philosophical underpinnings of Bolshevism. The text reflects a critical examination of the romanticized and sensational narratives that have often surrounded this pivotal moment in history, indicating that Spargo's work aspires to deliver a reliable narrative rooted in facts and historical context. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Spargo was a British political writer who, later in life, became an expert in the history and crafts of Vermont. At first Spargo was active in the Socialist Party of America. A Methodist preacher, he tried to meld the Protestant Social Gospel with Marxist socialism in Marxian Socialism and Religion: A Study of the Relation of the Marxian Theories to the Fundamental Principles of Religion (1915). He also founded a settlement house in Yonkers, N.Y. Spargo moved steadily to the right after 1917 when he supported American intervention in World War I. With AFL leader Samuel Gompers he organized the American Alliance for Labor and Democracy in 1917. Spargo helped draft the Colby Note that formalised the Wilson administration's anti-communist policies. He strongly denounced the Bolshevik Revolution in Bolshevism: The Enemy of Political and Industrial Democracy (1919). He opposed the foreign policy of the New Deal, especially its recognition of the USSR in 1933. He supported the House Un-American Activities Committee in the late 1930s and Senator Joseph McCarthy in the early 1950s. He endorsed Barry Goldwater In the 1964 Elections.