The word "bolshevistic" (/ˌbɒlʃəˈvɪstɪk/) is spelled with the prefix "bolshevik" (referring to a member of the Bolshevik party) and the suffix "-istic" (meaning "having the quality of" or "related to"). The pronunciation of the word is split into three syllables: "bol-she-vist-ic". This word is commonly used to describe principles or policies associated with the Bolshevik party, which played a significant role in the Russian Revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union.
Bolshevistic is an adjective that describes something associated with or characteristic of Bolshevism, a political ideology that emerged in Russia during the early 20th century. Derived from the word "Bolshevik," which means "majority" in Russian, Bolshevism refers specifically to the faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party led by Vladimir Lenin.
Used to describe a broad range of political, social, and economic aspects, Bolshevistic primarily signifies the principles, practices, or policies aligned with Lenin's revolutionary brand of socialism. It embodies the core tenets of Marxism-Leninism, advocating for the establishment of a classless society through the working-class revolution, nationalization of industries, and the eventual withering away of the state.
The term "bolshevistic" is often employed in a critical or negative sense by those who oppose or scrutinize Bolshevism. It can imply a radical or extremist approach, with an emphasis on the use of force, revolutionary tactics, or authoritarian methods to achieve socio-political change. It may also connote a disregard for private property, individual liberties, or democratic processes in favor of centralized power and state control.
Overall, "bolshevistic" denotes ideas, practices, or policies that align with the principles and methods espoused by the Bolsheviks and their pursuit of revolutionary socialism in early 20th-century Russia.
The word "bolshevistic" is derived from the term "Bolshevism", which refers to the political ideology and movement founded by Vladimir Lenin. The term "Bolshevism" originated from the Russian word "bol'shinstvo" (большинство), which means "majority".
The origins of the term can be traced back to the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party (RSDLP), which split into two factions in 1903: the majority faction, known as the "Bolsheviks", and the minority faction, known as the "Mensheviks". This split was based on differing views regarding the party's structure and strategies.
The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, eventually gained political power during the Russian Revolution of 1917 and established the Soviet Union.