Pronunciation: [bˈɒlʃɪvˌɪzəm] (IPA) 
The word "bolshevism" is spelled with a "b" at the beginning, followed by an "o" and then an "l". The "s" and "h" sounds blend together, which is why there is only one "s" in the middle of the word. The next syllable is spelled with a "v" and an "e", and ends with an "i" sound. The final syllable is spelled with an "s" and an "m", and is pronounced with a short "uh" sound. The IPA transcription for "bolshevism" is /ˈbɔlʃəˌvɪzəm/.
Bolshevism is a noun that refers to the political ideology and systematic theory associated with the Bolshevik Party and the Russian Revolution of 1917. It originated from the teachings of Vladimir Lenin and his followers, known as Bolsheviks, who sought to establish a revolutionary socialist government.
The term encapsulates the principles and practices of this radical branch of communism, capturing its core values and goals. Bolshevism advocates for the proletariat's control over the means of production and the redistribution of wealth through a violent overthrow of the existing capitalist regime, leading to the establishment of a classless society.
As a dictionary definition, bolshevism represents the Marxist-Leninist ideology that heavily emphasizes the necessity of a vanguard party to lead the revolution and the crucial role of workers and peasants in this struggle. It views the state as an instrument of class suppression and strives for the ultimate dissolution of the state apparatus in favor of a self-governing society. Additionally, bolshevism promotes international revolution, aiming at the global spread of communism and the ultimate elimination of capitalism worldwide.
Overall, bolshevism describes the specific ideological, organizational, and strategic aspects of the Bolshevik movement, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the beliefs and objectives of this revolutionary political faction.
The word "Bolshevism" originated from the Russian word "bol'she", which means "more" or "greater". It is derived from the phrase "Bol'sheviks", the name of a political faction that emerged in Russia during the early 20th century. The term "Bol'sheviks" referred to the majority faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party, which split from the party's minority faction known as the Mensheviks. The term "Bolshevism" was primarily used to describe the ideology, principles, and practices associated with the Bolsheviks and their revolutionary movement.
