They had been Social Democrats, a
part of the Social Democratic party of Russia. Now ever since Bronterre
O'Brien first used the terms "Social Democrat" and "Social Democracy," in
1839, their meaning has been pretty well established. A Social Democrat is
one who aims to base government and industry upon democracy. Certainly,
this cannot be said to be an accurate description of the position of men
who believe in the rule of a nation of one hundred and eighty millions by a
small party of two hundred thousand or less--or even by an entire class
representing not more than six per cent. of the population--and Lenine and
his friends, recognizing the fact, decided to change the name of their
group to the _Communist party_, by which name they are now known in Russia.
Lenine frankly admits that it would be a mistake to speak of this party as
a party of democracy. He says:
The word "democracy" cannot be scientifically applied to the
Communist party. Since March, 1917, the word democracy is simply a
shackle fastened upon the revolutionary nation and preventing it
from establishing boldly, freely, and regardless of all obstacles
a new form of power; the Council of Workmen's, Soldiers' and
Peasants' Deputies, harbinger of the abolition of every form of
authority.
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