DIFFERENCE_BETWEEN_MARXISM_AND_LENINISM

#Marxism_vs_Leninism
Marxism and Leninism are two kinds of political thought that show some
difference between them when it comes to their ideologies. Marxism is a political
thought framed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. This Marxist system aims at a
state of living where the society is bereft of the difference between the rich and the
poor. On the other hand, Leninism is a kind of a political system that practices
dictatorship. It is the dictatorship of the proletariat. In other words, it can be said
that Leninism recommends the dictatorship of the working class. This is one of the
main differences between Marxism and Leninism.
What is Marxism?
Marxism is a political ideology that explains how there is going to be a proletariat
revolution due to the class struggle. This class struggle is the result of means of
production being divided very unevenly between different classes.
Marxism takes the help of history to rewrite the living conditions of the people. It
has history as a firm base in forwarding its principles. Marxism is considered by
many political experts as a branch of philosophy too. It is firmly believed that
communism is born out of Marxism only.
Difference Between Marxism and Leninism
Friedrich Engels
It is important to know that Marxism insists on implementing the theory of its
political thought so that others can understand the nuances of it. Unlike
Communism, it does not believe in practical implementation. In fact, it can be said
that practical implementation of the theoretical ideas of Marxism led to the
formation of Communism.
What is Leninism?
On the other hand, Leninism aims at the implementation of both political and
socialist economic theories that have been developed from Marxism. It is thus
important to know that Leninism was developed by and was named after the
Russian revolutionary and political leader Vladmir Lenin.
Marxism vs Leninism
Vladimir Lenin
The term Leninism came to be used as early as 1922. It was Grigory Zinoviev who
popularized Leninism in the year 1924 at the fifth congress of the Communist
International otherwise called as Comintem. It was popularized as a word denoting
the meaning revolutionary by the then leader Grigory Zinoviev.
What is the difference between Marxism and Leninism?
Marxism was more of an ideology that Karl Marx created to point out what will
happen when the social classes struggle with each other. Leninism was how Lenin
changed Marxism to fit Russia. So, in practicality, Leninism was more practical
than Marxism as it carried the changes necessary to fit into an actual country.
When forming Marxism Marx envisaged that his theory would come into practice
in more developed and advanced capitalist states because that was where the
revolution he talked of could take place. However, Leninism took place in a
country which was not so developed or advanced as Marx imagined. Russia at the
time was not economically advanced and was populated by a large number of
farmers. That is why Lenin has to change aspects of Marxism to fit the Russia at
that time.
In Leninism, economic and industrial development was a key aspect as Russia
was behind in these areas. However, that is not the case with Marxism as Marxism
talks of a country that is already industrialized and advanced.
Marxism argued that a proletariat revolution was inevitable. This was based on
several assumptions. Firstly, Marxism believed that the capitalist states will not let
people move towards socialism. This will create revolutionary wrath in the
working class which would make them go for a revolution. However, Lenin did not
agree with this. He argued that such capitalist states would have enough power that
they will use to suppress any revolutionary feelings in the working class. Leninism
says that the capitalist states will give just enough money and benefits to the
working class so that they will NOT have revolutionary feelings. Without
revolutionary feeling, there will be no revolution.
Marxism believed people will spontaneously become aware of their status and
rise for a revolution. Leninism believed that a party should be formed to guide
people because otherwise the revolution happening will not be a practical idea. As
a result, Lenin created Bolshevik Party. It seized Russias power in 1917.
Marxism believed in the dictatorship of the proletariat, where the proletariat
would rule. However, in Leninism, Russia was led by a Communist Party whose
leaders thought they knew what the working class wanted.
In short, it can be said that Marxism was the theory and Leninism was how it was
practically used.