Early thought

As Lenin’s own political outlook and beliefs developed so did the European movements of Socialism and Communism. Groups emerged that wanted to radically change society and social structures. Lenin positioned himself as one of the leaders and crucially one of the thinkers behind these new ideas and movements. 

Dr Lara Douds (Northumbria University) discusses the development of Lenin’s early thought and examines his seminal pamphlet ‘What is to be done?’, which outlined his concerns about the working classes and the need for ‘professional revolutionaries’ and the authority of the party. It is in this period that we see the first divisions between the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks.