Revolutionary Vanguard

The Early Years of the Communist Youth International 1914-1924

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Communism & Socialism, International
Cover of the book Revolutionary Vanguard by Richard Cornell, University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard Cornell ISBN: 9781442637696
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division Publication: December 15, 1982
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Richard Cornell
ISBN: 9781442637696
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Publication: December 15, 1982
Imprint:
Language: English

The monolithic nature of the communist movement during the Stalinist period overlay pluralist tendencies. These were suppressed in the 1920s, though they were to re-emerge after Stalin's death.

The history of the Communist Youth International is revealed in this volume as an important example of the 'autonomist' tendencies in the communist movement after the First World War. The experience of the CYI also demonstrates that differences between Leninist and Stalinist eras were of degree, rather than of kind. Under Lenin, organizational principles and practices were introduced that gave to the new communist movement a distinct, authoritarian cast.

Cornell considers the relevance, in the development of radical movements among the young, of such qualities as untempered idealism, a predisposition to embrace the most radical alternatives for social change, and a self-assertiveness or rebelliousness directed against traditional adult teachings. He shows how these qualities were to lead, after the First World War (and more recently), to conflicts between radical, ideologically orthodox youth and more pragmatic adult party leaders. 

In introducing their new kind of radicalism, the young communists of Europe in 1919 considered themselves to be the most revolutionary element among revolutionaries – the highest form of 'revolutionary vanguard.' Moscow did not agree.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The monolithic nature of the communist movement during the Stalinist period overlay pluralist tendencies. These were suppressed in the 1920s, though they were to re-emerge after Stalin's death.

The history of the Communist Youth International is revealed in this volume as an important example of the 'autonomist' tendencies in the communist movement after the First World War. The experience of the CYI also demonstrates that differences between Leninist and Stalinist eras were of degree, rather than of kind. Under Lenin, organizational principles and practices were introduced that gave to the new communist movement a distinct, authoritarian cast.

Cornell considers the relevance, in the development of radical movements among the young, of such qualities as untempered idealism, a predisposition to embrace the most radical alternatives for social change, and a self-assertiveness or rebelliousness directed against traditional adult teachings. He shows how these qualities were to lead, after the First World War (and more recently), to conflicts between radical, ideologically orthodox youth and more pragmatic adult party leaders. 

In introducing their new kind of radicalism, the young communists of Europe in 1919 considered themselves to be the most revolutionary element among revolutionaries – the highest form of 'revolutionary vanguard.' Moscow did not agree.

More books from University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division

Cover of the book The Ends of the Body by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book The World Beyond Europe in the Romance Epics of Boiardo and Ariosto by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book The New Testament Scholarship of Erasmus by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book Enlightening Encounters by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book Sir Charles God Damn by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book Studies in the Eighteenth Century III by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book Contemporary Canadian Federalism by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book Kegan Paul – A Victorian Imprint by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book Rome in Canada by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book The Metaphor of Celebrity by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book In Search of Greatness by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book The Canadian Senate in Bicameral Perspective by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book Critical Digital Studies by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book Studies in the Eighteenth Century II by Richard Cornell
Cover of the book The Jewish Emergence from Powerlessness by Richard Cornell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy