Rosa Luxemburg: Spontaneous Revolution and Internationalism
Rosa Luxemburg further developed revolutionary socialist theory in the early 20th century, emphasizing mass action and opposing reformism.
Key aspects of Luxemburg's thought include:
Human Nature: She believed that working-class communities still exhibited fraternity and altruism despite capitalism's negative effects.
Society: Luxemburg argued for international solidarity among workers, rejecting nationalism.
State: She called for the destruction of the capitalist state through spontaneous revolution arising from strike action.
Quote: "The enemy of socialism remains in our own country."
Economy: Luxemburg recognized capitalism's resilience but maintained that worker control and common ownership were necessary.
Highlight: Luxemburg opposed World War I and organized anti-war demonstrations, viewing the conflict as imperialist.
She developed the concept of the "vanguard of the proletariat" - the most class-conscious workers who would lead others toward revolutionary politics.
Example: Luxemburg was inspired by the 1905 Russian Revolution, believing that revolution could occur in less industrialized countries.
Luxemburg's ideas were shaped by the period between industrialization and the creation of the welfare state. She was critical of Lenin's emphasis on tight party structure, believing organization would emerge naturally from struggle.