Structure of the working class / edited by A. M. Rumyantsev

In a letter to WEYDEMEYER (1852) Marx said that one of the keynotes of his theory was the discovery that the class struggle necessarily leads to the dictatorship of the proletariat. Clearly, then, the role of the working class in world, history cannot but remain in the centre of the attention of the fol lowers of Marx, who are upholding and developing the ideo logy of the proletariat. Moreover, Marxism is not only the most progressive school of scientific thought in the world; it is an ideological weapon with the aid of which the proletariat, awakening to a consciousness of both itself and its place in society, has ceased to be the object of history and become the maker of history, the revolutionary reorganizer of society.

In our time the role of the working class has grown im measurably. It not only stands at the head of the decisive historical force of our epoch- the great community of the socialist nations which embraces one-third of the globe. It also exercises a powerful influence on all the processes taking place in the countries still under the rule of capital. No major economic or political development in these countries can be correctly assessed without taking due account of the growing influence of the working class and its liberation struggle. The time has gone when the bourgeoisie enjoyed a free hand and could rule at will. Today the rulers of any capitalist country, in carrying out one or another act of state, have to reckon with the reaction it will evoke in their class enemy - the proletariat - and in the broad masses which are rallying around the working class. The working class, which is the most consistent revolutionary class, is the chief motive force of the revolutionary transformation of the world,' the Pro gramme of the CPSU says. In fulfilling its historic mission as the revolutionary remaker of the old society and creator of a new system, the working class has become the exponent, not only of its own class interests, but of the interests of all working people. It is the natural leader of all forces fighting against capitalism."