The Russian Social Democratic Workers Party was influenced by which idea?

Correct answer: Marxist ideas

The correct answer is Marxist ideas. The Russian Social Democratic Workers Party emerged under the influence of Karl Marx’s analysis of capitalism, class conflict and the exploitation of workers. Marxists believed that industrial workers could organise themselves and ultimately establish a socialist society in place of a capitalist system. This explains why the party focused on workers’ politics rather than defending the Tsar, feudal landlords or colonial rule. Monarchist, feudal and colonial ideas supported established privilege and therefore contradicted the party’s revolutionary purpose. The key exam connection is: Russian Social Democrats, Marxism, working-class organisation and socialism.