This particular book dealt with the notion that the Russian peasantry was a viable revolutionary force, but lacked the capability of developing on its own. ... In response to a letter in a newspaper by writer Maxim Gorky criticizing the Bolshevik actions, Lenin wrote: "As the State is only a transitional institution which we are obliged to use in the revolutionary struggle in order to crush our opponents forcibly, it is pure absurdity to speak of a Free People's State. ... Interesting to note that a young Stalin, then the head of the People's Commissariat for Nationalities, wanted...

• Word Count: 1728
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate