IV. Soviet Russia.
Amidst the unbridled passions of chauvinism, avarice and destruction, it has been the principle of Communism alone that has manifested a high degree of vitality and constructive force. In the course of historical development the Soviet government has for the first time been established in the most backward and exhausted country of Europe, surrounded by a host of mighty foes. But in spite of all that, it has not only maintained itself in the struggle against such great odds, but it has also demonstrated in reality the great possibilities Inherent in Communism. The development and consolidation of the Soviet power in Russia is the most momentous historical event of the period succeeding the foundation of the Communist International.
In the eyes of class society the creation of an army has usually been regarded as the supreme test of industrial and State construction. The weakness or the strength of the army has been regarded as evidence of the weakness or strength of industry and the State.
In the midst of the strife the Soviet power has created a mighty armed force. The Red Army has demonstrated its superiority not alone in the struggle with old bourgeois monarchist Russia, which was endeavoring to reestabish Imperialism by the aid of the White armies of Kolchak, Denikin, Yudenitch, Wrangel, etc., but also in the struggle with the national armies of the "democracies" which world imperialism is planting for its own interests (Finland, Esthonia, Latvia, Poland).
That the Soviet Government has succeeded in maintaining itself during the first three trying years is a miraculous achievement in the field of economy. The reason why it has withstood all pressure and continues to develop is that it has taken the means of production out of the hands of the bourgeoisie, and has transformed them into instruments for the organization of industry. Amid the noise of battle along the endless battlefronts, Soviet Russia has not failed to take advantage of every opportunity of industrial construction. In the interval between the crushing defeat of Denikin and the murderous attack of Poland, the Soviet government began upon a plan of an extensive organization of labor conscription. It inaugurated a precise registration of economic forces and means with a view to their proper application; it attracted military detachments to the accomplishment of industrial tasks, and above all it began to reestablish its transport system.
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