In Lenin's writings, what key principle guided early Soviet policy?

• A. Advocated liberal democracy and decentralization.
• B. Emphasized the dictatorship of the proletariat and centralized state power in the hands of a vanguard party to establish socialism.
• C. Revealed a commitment to market-based reforms.
• D. Rejected the idea of a vanguard party.

Answer: (B)

Lenin argued that creating socialism required a strong, centralized political leadership led by a vanguard party, implementing the dictatorship of the proletariat to steer the transition. In his view, the working class needed a disciplined, professional revolutionary organization to organize action, suppress counterrevolutionary forces, and carry through decisive changes in the economy and state apparatus. This centralized leadership and the dictatorship of the proletariat were seen as essential to defeat hostile elements and to consolidate power during the critical transition to socialism. Liberal democracy and decentralized governance would fragment effort and allow opposition to regain sway, while market-based reforms were not part of his plan. Rejecting a vanguard party would abandon the mechanism Lenin believed was necessary to guide the revolution and secure the new socialist order.