Old Bolsheviks

Old Bolsheviks were early members of the Russian Communist Party who joined before the 1917 Revolution. They were integral to the party's development and held significant influence in Soviet leadership, helping to shape the Communist government after Lenin's rise. Their experience and commitment distinguished them from later members who joined the party later. Many Old Bolsheviks faced scrutiny or persecution during Stalin's rule, especially during the purges of the 1930s. Overall, they played a critical role in the revolutionary movement that established the Soviet Union and its early policies.