In Chapter 1 Kautsky argues that the time for revolution has not yet passed, as some on the Left alleged,^[1] most importantly Eduard Bernstein.^[2] Kautsky argued that the revolutionary energy of the bourgeoisie was channeled by Bismarck into a project to throw “a few German princes from their thrones”, overthrow the French Empire and support for Italian unification.^[1] The cooperation between the state and bourgeoisie that prevented revolution halted the development of the proletariat.^[1]

Kautsky continues to point out that in 1904, he predicted that workers would revolt in Russia, joining with the bourgeoisie to establish representative government (in 1905 a revolution led to Tsar to create the Duma, a Parliament).^[3] He proceeded to note and predict a continuation of a political awakening China, India, Egypt, Morocco, Persia and Turkey.^[3] He predicts that violent revolution is unlikely in Europe because of the strength of modern armies, except in Russia.^[4]

In Chapters IV & V Kautsky argues that Marxism is a historical determinism because the will itself is not free.^[5]

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Impact

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