Mensheviks

The Mensheviks were a faction of the Russian socialist movement that emerged in the early 20th century. They believed in creating a broad-based, democratic revolution with a gradual move toward socialism, working within existing political systems and supporting peaceful progress. In contrast to their rivals, the Bolsheviks, who favored a rapid, centralized, and revolutionary approach, Mensheviks prioritized compromise and legal political processes. They played a significant role in early Soviet history but lost influence after the Bolsheviks seized power in 1917.