Portrait: AI-generated imagined likeness

Georgi Plekhanov

Philosopher · Writer · Politician · revolutionary · Journalist

Years: 1856–1918
Birthplace: Russia
Birth polity: Russian Empire
Era: Modern
Field: Philosophy
Occupations: Philosopher · Writer · Politician · revolutionary · Journalist

A Russian Marxist thinker who laid the theoretical foundations of the Russian socialist movement. It is important for understanding the transition from Narodniki to Marxism. It is indispensable when considering the theorization of revolutionary movements.

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Historical context

Places

Tambov Governorate
Birth
Geneva
Exile

Events

Founding of the Emancipation of Labour group
1883
Movement · Leader

Origins

Origins map

Birth countryAssociated countries

Birth country: Russia
Associated countries: Switzerland

Map: Natural Earth (PD)

Biography

Early life

Born into a local aristocracy in the Russian Empire, he became involved in the revolutionary movement at a young age. He eventually fled into exile and worked on the formation of Russian socialist thought in Switzerland and other countries.

Achievements

He formed the Labor Liberation Group and promoted the introduction and theorization of Marxist literature. Although it influenced later revolutionaries such as Lenin, conflicts also arose over revolutionary tactics.

Character & anecdotes

Although Plekhanov is known as the ``father of Russian Marxism,'' he was critical of the 1917 Revolution. He is a person who can see the difference between a theorist and a revolutionary politician.

Historical Impact

When we study Plekhanov, we realize that the Russian Revolution did not suddenly occur, but was prepared through exiled intellectuals, the labor movement, the peasant question, and the reception of European ideas. You can also understand the diversity of socialist ideas.