The history of the socialist movement is rich with lessons for those wanting an alternative to the horros of modern-day capitalism. And yet it is a history that has suffered decades of distortion by both the open apologists for Western capitalism, and by the Stalinist states and parties that claimed they were the authentic voice of Marxism.
This pamphlet introduces the real story of our movement, from Marx and the First International to the Russian Revolution and the mass upheavals that shook the world after WWII. It also explains the rise of Stalinism, arguing that this was not the logical continuation of the politics of Marx and Lenin, but instead signalled their defeat.
Understanding this history is vital to rebuilding a mass socialist movement today.