Lessons of the Spanish Civil War
Episode description
The Spanish Civil War was one of the greatest revolutionary struggles of the 20th century—and one of its greatest betrayals.
At the RCP Summer Camp, Joe Russell explained how the working class of Spain rose against fascism and capitalism, only to be betrayed by the Stalinists, the reformists, and the centrist leadership of the POUM.
Joe outlines the main lesson of 1936–39: without a revolutionary party rooted in the working class and Marxist theory, even the most heroic struggles can be defeated.
From the Stalinist counterrevolution to the betrayal of the Popular Front, this talk highlights the burning need for a genuine communist leadership.
For revolutionaries today, the Spanish Civil War shows the dangers of reformism, centrism, and class collaboration, and the necessity of building a revolutionary organisation. This talk is essential for anyone interested in anti-fascism, communism, and the history of the class struggle.
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