Road to Power

In Chapter 1 Kautsky argues that the time for revolution has not yet passed, as some on the Left alleged,[1] most importantly Eduard Bernstein.[2] Kautsky argued that the revolutionary energy of the bourgeoisie was channeled by Bismarck into a project to throw “a few German princes from their thrones”, overthrow the French Empire and support for Italian unification.[1] The cooperation between the state and bourgeoisie that prevented revolution halted the development of the proletariat.[1]

Kautsky continues to point out that in 1904, he predicted that workers would revolt in Russia, joining with the bourgeoisie to establish representative government (in 1905 a revolution led to Tsar to create the Duma, a Parliament).[3] He proceeded to note and predict a continuation of a political awakening China, India, Egypt, Morocco, Persia and Turkey.[3] He predicts that violent revolution is unlikely in Europe because of the strength of modern armies, except in Russia.[4]

In Chapters IV & V Kautsky argues that Marxism is a historical determinism because the will itself is not free.[5]

Road to Power had a large impact on the Bolsheviks and was used to justify the October Revolution.[6]