Interesting. One question is why people were attracted by non-capitalist economic systems. Another is why they were attracted by Marxism or by the Soviet Union.
The conceptual reason why anti-capitalists are attracted to Marxism or the Soviet Union is probably fairly simple. Marx provided a cogent critique of the capitalist economic system, disseminating one of the most widely-read political documents of the 19th and early 20th century. The broader socialist tradition was happy to adopt his philosophy, as they believed it provided a solid scientific foundation for socialism more generally, and a reason for optimism. The Soviet Union was the first major socialist experiment. There had previously been attempts, such as the Paris Commune, but these were short-lived and had minor effects.
Therefore, it’s no surprise why intellectuals favorable to socialism would have plenty to be excited about regarding the Soviet Union. That’s when they finally got to see their philosophy in action.
A third question is why they were disenchanted with capitalism. But it’s not difficult to answer. … there was the General Strike and the Great Depression.
Someone was bulverising their rejection of capitalism as self-serving, but the cracks in capitalism were obvious.
Interesting. One question is why people were attracted by non-capitalist economic systems. Another is why they were attracted by Marxism or by the Soviet Union.
The conceptual reason why anti-capitalists are attracted to Marxism or the Soviet Union is probably fairly simple. Marx provided a cogent critique of the capitalist economic system, disseminating one of the most widely-read political documents of the 19th and early 20th century. The broader socialist tradition was happy to adopt his philosophy, as they believed it provided a solid scientific foundation for socialism more generally, and a reason for optimism. The Soviet Union was the first major socialist experiment. There had previously been attempts, such as the Paris Commune, but these were short-lived and had minor effects.
Therefore, it’s no surprise why intellectuals favorable to socialism would have plenty to be excited about regarding the Soviet Union. That’s when they finally got to see their philosophy in action.
A third question is why they were disenchanted with capitalism. But it’s not difficult to answer. … there was the General Strike and the Great Depression.
Someone was bulverising their rejection of capitalism as self-serving, but the cracks in capitalism were obvious.