Eduard Bernstein’s revisionist theories, which emerged within the late nineteenth century, challenged basic tenets of Marxist thought. He argued that capitalism was not inevitably collapsing, however relatively evolving and adapting, resulting in enhancements in working-class situations and the potential for gradual social reform by parliamentary means. Bernstein urged abandoning the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism in favor of reaching socialism by democratic processes. These propositions straight contradicted the orthodox Marxist view of violent revolution and the dictatorship of the proletariat.
Vladimir Lenin, a staunch advocate of orthodox Marxism, seen Bernstein’s revisionism as a harmful betrayal of revolutionary rules. Lenin believed that Bernstein’s concepts undermined the proletariat’s revolutionary consciousness and weakened the impetus for socialist revolution. Moreover, Lenin argued that Bernstein’s emphasis on parliamentary motion and gradual reform led to collaboration with the bourgeoisie, thereby delaying and finally stopping the achievement of true communism. Lenin thought of Bernstein’s concepts to be a type of opportunism, prioritizing short-term positive factors over the long-term purpose of proletarian revolution. Traditionally, this critique solidified Lenin’s place as a number one determine within the revolutionary wing of the socialist motion.
