Ten Days That Shook the World · Question
How does Ten Days That Shook the World develop the theme of Class Conflict and Polarization?
Answer
Ten Days That Shook the World by John Reed develops Class Conflict and Polarization across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
A deep and violent divide is shown between the bourgeoisie, landowners, and 'moderate' Socialists on one side, and the workers, soldiers, and poor peasants on the other, with each group fighting for control of the state and economy.
The chapter details how parties aligned with different classes: Cadets and Group of Public Men with propertied classes, Mensheviki with intellectuals, Bolsheviki with factory workers and poor peasants, and Socialist Revolutionaries with peasants.
The rise of economic-based organisations like Soviets and Factory-Shop Committees, contrasted with the decline of political bodies like the City Duma, reflects the deepening class polarization.
The White Guards emerged as bourgeois volunteers defending private property against Bolshevik abolition, while the Red Guards represented armed factory workers, illustrating the deepening class divide.
Evidence in the book
- Political Parties
The chapter details how parties aligned with different classes: Cadets and Group of Public Men with propertied classes, Mensheviki with intellectuals, Bolsheviki with factory workers and poor peasants, and Socialist Revolutionaries with peasants.
- Popular Organisations
The rise of economic-based organisations like Soviets and Factory-Shop Committees, contrasted with the decline of political bodies like the City Duma, reflects the deepening class polarization.
- Other Organisations
The White Guards emerged as bourgeois volunteers defending private property against Bolshevik abolition, while the Red Guards represented armed factory workers, illustrating the deepening class divide.
- Background
The chapter highlights the deepening divide between the propertied classes and the masses, with the former seeking to halt the revolution and the latter demanding radical change.
- II: The Coming Storm
The chapter vividly portrays the deepening divide between workers, soldiers, and peasants on one side, and the bourgeoisie, landowners, and moderate socialists on the other, as seen in the Soviet debates and street tensions.
- III: On the Eve
The chapter highlights the bitter struggle between peasants and landlords, workers and employers, soldiers and officers, with the Cadets representing counterrevolution.
- The Committee for Salvation
The chapter highlights deep divisions: workers and soldiers support the Soviets, while officers, yunkers, and the middle class back the Government, reflecting stark class polarization.
- Moscow
Reed observes the deep divide between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, with all propertied classes and other socialist parties united against the Bolsheviks, while workers, sailors, and landless peasants support the Soviets.
