What were the policies of the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks?
The Russian Socialist Democratic Labour Party was divided into two prominent political groups in 1904, Bolsheviks and Mensheviks.
The Bolsheviks policies were related to extreme measures. They were eager to establish a socialist state as quickly as possible. They were ready to achieve this even by force and violence, if needed.They did not recognise any other class than that of the workers and were hostile to any co-operation with middle class political parties. The Bolsheviks were a disciplined party. They wanted to make the party an instrument for bringing about revolution.
The Mensheviks represented a minority group. Their policies and methods were less radical. They were willing to await the eventual coming of socialism. They believed in gradual change and establishment of a parliamentary form of government like that of Britain and France.