The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-11-05
Russia and the World Revolution B

- - - - - % 80 y -
THE fact that the Russian revolu-
ton started 100000, 900 people on
the highroad to emancipation gives
it most tremendous Importance For
centuries the masses in Russia suf-
fered hopelessly under the iron boot
of the czars. Then came the historic
upheaval Of 1917 and swept this tyr
amy aside with an irresistible flood.
The revolution is the greatest thing in
the whole life Of the Russia people.
But Of far more importance than its
effect upon the Russian people is the
influence of the revolution upon the.
proletariat of the world. This is pro-
found, far-reaching, and epoch-making.
1t is what gives the Russian revolu-
ton it's real significance and erects
it into the supreme event in history
In many ways the Russian revolus
ton has deeply affected the course of
the world labor movement. But in
this short article only three of these
can be indicated: ~ the establish
ment of living symbol of proletarian
revolution; 90 the creation of clear
ly-defined, well-organized world revo-
1utionary organization; 90 the reali
cation Of a tremendous fund of revo-
lutionary experience. These three
phases are of the very greatest conse-
quence to the international working
class. 4
1. The Symbol Of Revolution.
Until 1917 the program of prole-
tartan emancipation rested pretty
much in the realms of theory. The
workers of the world talked of it,
dreamed Of it, and speculated about
1t. But it lacked reality. 1t was but
a scientific calculation and an inspir-
ing hope. 1t was only by the advent
Of the Soviet government in Russia
that the concept of revolution took
on flesh and blood. Then it became
a living, vibrant thing and an ispira-
ton to the workers of the world
The masses learn best from con-
crete facts; they require definite OBJ
ject lessons. They cannot be salts
fed with theory alone. To them in
comparably the best argument for the
world revolution is to see workers
revolution take place successfully in
some country. The, Russian revolu-
ton has provided them with that
vitality necessary object lesson. 1t is
a tremendous demonstration of the
possibility and practically Of the pro-
letarian revolution. 1t is the world
symbol Of the working class victor
ious.
When the Russian workers and
peasants gave the death thrust to
Russian czarism and capitalism, a
thrill went thru the world workers
They were deeply inspired and heart
ened, not to sit idly by and hope for
the Russians to bring about the world
revolution, but to wage war similarly
against the exploiters in their own
countries. And as the Russian revo-
mtion has progressed, overcoming the
unheard Of difficulties confronting it
and gradually consolidating its power,
It is driving deeper and deeper into
the hearts of the workers the convic-
ton that they can and must also over
throw the power of their bourgeoisie
m similar fashion. The facts that the
Russian workers have broken the
uAfted front of capitalism and sstab-
hshed one proletarian government.
that they have forced the capitalist
worlA to recognize this government,
and mat they are unquestionably max
ing the new preletaztan society a
success. constitute q revolutionary
factor of high Importance thru their
stimulation and education Of the inter
national working eissz
Much Of the early stimulstive effect
Of tho Russian revolution was lost be-
canse the workers. organizations IN
most countries were dominated by
social-democrats and other reformers,