The following study was undertaken in December, 1918, and completed in July, 1919. At the outset I little dreamed that this investigation would lead me to question the validity of Marxian conclusions. . . . .I am aware that the views I have developed in these pages are quite unorthodox. They constitute an indictment of the leaders of International Socialism . . . While Marx may have erred in his conclusions, he was none the less a scientist. He applied the scientific method. . . . Present-day leaders of International Socialism, unlike Marx, refuse to study history, preferring to cling dogmatically to the conclusions formulated by Marx in 1848. Such is the extent of their "science." . . .
Although this study was complete almost a year ago, for obvious reasons I did not care to obtain publicity for my conclusions without first submitting them to authoritative criticism. But in the meanwhile many things have happened. The Socialist Party of America has been split up into warring factions. The Left groups are subjecting the Party to scathing criticism. Neither has the Third International been sparing in its criticism of the American Socialist party. These criticisms have obtained wide publicity. I therefore feel that nothing that I might say could react against the Socialist Party with greater force than the criticisms that have already been leveled against it.
Nevertheless, I prefer to withhold my conclusions from the general public, pending their review by authoritative critics. To this end, I have elected to publish a limited private edition, copies of which I propose to place in the hands of those whose training and activities would indicate their special fitness to pass upon the merit of my material. . . . Twenty-five years of close affiliation with the Socialist movement is the only excuse I have to offer for my deep interest and saddened heart over the wreckage and ruin of our once apparently healthy movement.
I wish to do what I can to restore our party no as a hollow monument to the dead past but as an effective social instrument for the living present.
Brooklyn, N. Y.
June, 1920.( Preface to Private Edition )
PREFACE TO FIRST GENERAL EDITION
[ excerpts ]This volume made its first appearance in July, 1920, as a limited private edition.
Copies were forwarded to prominent Socialists of all factions, as I hoped to benefit by the criticism of Socialists of every hue. Such criticism was invited in the following
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The World War has removed Socialism from the realm of academic discussion . . .
Knowing your deep interest in the subject, I take this means of bringing my views to your attention in the hope that I may obtain for them the benefit of your critical consideration.
At no time in history has an understanding of the laws controlling social processes been more imperatively needed than to-day. In knowledge rests the hope of the world.
As a student, you are charged with an inescapable mandate. "Light, give us light," is the agonized cry of a world plunged in darkness. If not through common counsel, how is this cry of distress to be effectively answered?
Your judgment of my contribution toward the answer will be gratefully received.
MAURICE WILLIAM.
Brooklyn, N. Y.
One year has now elapsed since the distribution of my book. With two notable exceptions not a single Socialist offered his criticism or came forward in defense of doctrinaire Marxism.
My conclusions, challenging the historic and scientific validity of Marxian Socialism, were formulated in 1919. That was a singularly inappropriate year to question theories which at least in one country had been translated into historic fact. . . .
Socialist leaders whose whole reputation had been built upon a program of peaceful social reform were suddenly converted into uncompromising revolutionaries. . . .
Marxian principles can be applied only through a class movement of producers,whereas democratic principles are the agency of a social movement of consumers. . . . Marxian Socialism is based upon the theory that class conflict is the propelling motive force in history.
The Social Interpretation of History is based upon the theory that man's effort to solve his problem of existence is the propelling motive force in history. This is primarily a consumer problem. Class conflict is an effect, not a cause. the abolition of classes and class conflict cannot insure the permanency of a social system. Do its productive forces register an advance in the direction toward a solution to the problem of existence ? This is the final, historic test to which all social systems are submitted. . . .
these conclusions form the basis for the social interpretation of history. They constitute the theoretical premise for the prediction I made two years ago that the " Socialism " in Russia . . . must fail . . . .
Marxian Socialists never learn from experience ; they are too scientific for that. Notwithstanding the complete and tragic failure of their experiment in Russia, Lenin and Trotsky order Socialists of all nations to follow in their footsteps. . . .
That destruction caused by civil war falls with the greatest force upon the workers themselves is a matter of supreme indifference to those self-appointed leaders of the Workers. . . .
Having destroyed the Socialism movement, they are attempting to apply the same tactics to the international trade-union movement. They order Labor to destroy Labor. . . .
Marxian Socialism has been put to the test in Russia. It proved a complete failure. The collapse of Bolshevism means the collapse of Marxian Socialism. . . .
The problem of consumers constitute the sole concern of Social Evolution. its task is to solve the problem of existence. The "Socialism" of Russia [i.e. the late U.S.S.R.] failed to register an advance in the direction towards a solution to the basic consumer problem : the problem of existence.
Underproduction of the needs of consumers has made for the abolition of every social system recorded in history. Underproduction of the needs of consumers is about to abolish the "Socialism" of Russia [U.S.S.R.] . . .
While the attention of Marxian Socialist has been concentrated upon the great achievements of � Socialism � in Russia [i.e. U.S.S.R], a historic change of tremendous social significance is shaping itself in Germany.
Marxian Socialist accuse German Socialists of having betrayed their principles .Germany might also have been a Socialist State if the social patriots had proved true to the principles of Karl Marx ! But their betrayal made it impossible to establish Socialism . . .
What are the historic facts ? In no country in the world is Capitalism compelled to fight harder for its life than in Germany ! The pre-war Capitalism of Germany proved a phenomenal producer. But to-day Germany must produce as it has never produced before. Production based upon the capitalist principle—profit—is being subjected to the severest test in its history. Underproduction of the needs of consumers is threatening the existence of the Capitalist system in Germany.
In an effort to meet the requirements of the German people, the capitalists in control of the productive forces of the German nation are cooperating with their government in an effort to eliminate all waste and all elements that tend to retard production. These requirements call for the socialization of transportation, communication, distribution as well as of the coal mines. . . .
Those living to-day are destined to witness a remarkable historic phenomenon. In Russia, underproduction is holding out its historic threat to � Socialism � and paving the way to Capitalism [Fascism?], while at the same time in Germany underproduction is holding out its historic threat to Capitalism and paving the way to Socialism. Both changes are compelled by the interests of consumers.
The German Majority Socialists have betrayed the principles of Karl Marx, but have been true to the consumer interests of the German people. This is the sole explanation for their vitality. Their activities are based upon the hated social democratic reform program of the Second International. This conforms to the laws of Social Evolution and therefore is scientific.
The views advanced in this volume were developed two years ago. Two years are hardly a sufficient test for new social theories. But inasmuch as they are the only available test I ask the reader to compare the views developed in these pages with the experiences of the past two years. . . .
My thanks are due to Mr. D. H. Robbins for his assistance in rearranging some of the material. Mr. Robbins is in no way to be held responsible for the views or criticisms advanced in these pages. The responsibility is solely y own
MAURICE WILLIAM.
Brooklyn, N. Y., August, 1921
The social interpretation of history; a refutation of the Marxian
economic interpretation of history, by Maurice William.
Long Island City, New York, Sotery, 1921.
William, Maurice. Title(s) The social interpretation of history; a refutation of the Marxian economic interpretation of history, by Maurice William. Publisher Long Island City, New York, Sotery Publishing Company, c1921. Paging xxxi p., 1 l., 397 p. 21 cm.