Doug1943 Posted February 4, 2021 Report Posted February 4, 2021 I would like to start a thread on the above-named subject(s). I propose to exclude the military aspects of 'classic' guerilla wars from discussion, i.e "countryside surrounds the city" wars, like Cuba and China, although I would include measures taken by the guerilla forces to win popular support. But this proposed exclusion is just a preference and nothing anyone posts is likely be barred. I would like to see reference to the 1789 and 1830 in France, 1848 in European countries where uprisings took place, the Paris Commune, Russia 1905 and 19-17-1921, Germany 1918-1923. These are are suggestive examples, not an exclusive list. Since none of us, I suspect, are possessed of much detailed knowledge in this area, I would expect, initially, most posts to be references to books and academic papers. Better too much than too little. Technical/military details of Urban Counter-insurgency stuff is not really what I'm looking for but it might turn out to be of interest. So don't be inhibited in posting references. My main interest is not the technical/military aspects of insurrection -- how to take building, for example -- but the psychological aspects. My interest was sparked by the so-called 'insurrection' in Washington on 6 January of this year. As I read about it and watched videos, I kept thinking ... 'Boy, do you guys ever have no idea about what an insurrection is'. And then I realized I didn't know all that much myself. I'll start things off with the following four classics, all available for freedown load: https://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1930/hrr/index.htm Trotsky's History of the Russian Revolution. How to do it. https://libcom.org/library/armed-insurrection-neuberg-1928 The collective work of various Comintern worthies. How not to do it. https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1850/class-struggles-france/index.htm Marx's take. https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1871/civil-war-france/ch05.htm There must be many historical monographs and other academic papers on this subject. I have access to JSTORE and will eventually do a search there, but if anyone has suggestions now, please post them. 1
DogOnPorch Posted February 4, 2021 Report Posted February 4, 2021 Thanks for the topic...and welcome to zee forum. I'm a little unclear as to your ultimate objective. We can discuss the merits of Communism & Marxism...there are certainly some. Or the merits of revolution in general...as there are also some there. On that note... One could say that Cuba was more prosperous under Batista than the Castro Bros...we could start there. Swimming in money...mob money at times...Cuba was on the fast track to modernization and perhaps becoming the next Puerto Rico (US protectorate) when the revolution hit. Suddenly it all stopped...paved roads reverted to dirt roads. Was that Communism's fault or America's for being pissed at getting caught blindsided by a revolution in their own backyard? Is Nicaragua an example of this, as well? Sandinistas, etc...Olly North...Contras. Was that Reagan trying NOT to repeat Cuba...and repeating it anyways? Nothing cracks a turtle like Leon Uris.
OftenWrong Posted February 6, 2021 Report Posted February 6, 2021 I think part of the answer to what it is that makes revolution possible, is 1. A certain level of desperation among the people. Desperation and anger at the System. 2. One has to have a means of communication, the ability to broadcast messages without interference from the entrenched authorities. Even if the information is false, as long as there is a sense of it. Then reason easily gives way to emotion. 3. Big money backers. If the idea of revolution is attractive to the elite classes, it is much easier. 4. A symbol of the oppressive powers, a pariah for the people to hate. 1
Recommended Posts