Revolution Betrayed

I want to read revolution betrayed by trotsky, give me background of it

"The Revolution Betrayed" by Leon Trotsky is a seminal work in Marxist literature, providing a critical analysis of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. Written in 1936 during Trotsky's exile in Norway, the book was published in 1937. It is considered one of the most important texts in Marxist theory and a profound critique of Stalinism.

Background and Context

Historical Context

Trotsky wrote "The Revolution Betrayed" after being expelled from the Soviet Union and exiled due to his opposition to Stalin's policies. The book reflects Trotsky's deep concern with the direction the Soviet Union had taken since the death of Lenin in 1924. Trotsky argued that the Soviet state had degenerated into a bureaucratic dictatorship that betrayed the principles of the October Revolution of 1917.

Key Themes and Analysis

Bureaucratic Degeneration: Trotsky contended that the Soviet bureaucracy, personified by Stalin, had usurped political power from the working class. He described this bureaucracy as a "privileged and commanding stratum" that was "alien to socialism" and not a ruling class in the traditional Marxist sense[1][3][5].
Economic Critique: Trotsky criticized the economic policies of Stalin, particularly the forced collectivization and rapid industrialization, which he termed "economic adventurism." He argued that these policies led to significant social and economic disruptions[4][6].
Political Revolution: Trotsky called for a "second supplementary revolution" to overthrow the Stalinist bureaucracy and restore workers' democracy. He believed that only through a political revolution could the achievements of the 1917 Revolution be salvaged[1][3].
Marxist Theory: The book is a blend of historical analysis, socio-economic critique, and Marxist theory. Trotsky used facts, figures, and statistics to support his arguments, making it a comprehensive critique of Stalinism from a Marxist perspective[2][5].
Predictions and Legacy: Trotsky predicted the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union due to the inherent contradictions within the bureaucratic system. His analysis has been seen as prescient, especially in light of the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991[5][7].

Writing and Publication

Trotsky wrote "The Revolution Betrayed" in a small village northwest of Oslo, Norway, where he lived as a guest of the ruling Labor Party. The book was translated into several languages, including Spanish by Victor Serge, and has been widely studied and referenced in Marxist literature[4].

Reception and Impact

The book has been praised for its incisive analysis and has remained a critical text for understanding the failures of the Soviet Union and the nature of Stalinist bureaucracy. It has influenced numerous Marxist thinkers and remains a key text for those studying the history and theory of socialism and communism[5][7].

In summary, "The Revolution Betrayed" is a critical examination of the Soviet Union's transformation under Stalin, offering insights into the bureaucratic degeneration of the state and advocating for a return to the principles of the October Revolution through a political revolution.