Bolshevism: The Enemy of Political and Industrial Democracy

John Spargo, once sympathetic to socialism, offers a forceful critique of Bolshevik rule in this early polemic. Writing soon after the Russian Revolution, he argues that the regime established by Lenin and his followers betrayed democratic and humanitarian ideals in favour of dictatorship and terror. Spargo examines Soviet policies on industry, labour, and political opposition, contending that they suppress freedom rather than advance workers’ rights. He contrasts parliamentary and trade union traditions in Western countries with the one party system in Russia and warns that imported Bolshevik methods would damage both democracy and productive industry. The book reflects the fears and debates of its time, when revolution in Russia challenged established political frameworks. For readers studying political ideologies, labour history, or Western reactions to communism, this work provides an important example of early twentieth century anti Bolshevik argument from within the broader socialist movement.