The Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, founded in 1898, was a significant political force aiming to promote socialism in Russia through organized efforts against the existing autocratic regime. By 1903, during the party's Second Congress held consecutively in Brussels and London, deep ideological rifts surfaced among its members. The primary contention stemmed from differing views on party organization and the approach to achieving socialist objectives. The Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, argued for a centralized party composed of dedicated professionals, whereas the Mensheviks, led by figures like Julius Martov, championed a more democratic framework allowing a broader participation of the working class.The disputes came to a head over issues such as the criteria for party membership and the strategic direction of the revolution. The split was formalized when the two factions adopted their respective positions on organizational matters. The Bolsheviks emerged as the 'majority,' while the Mensheviks became the 'minority.' This schism highlighted the ideological differences within Russian socialism and foreshadowed the later conflicts that would erupt during the Russian Revolution. Over the following years, tensions between the two groups intensified, leading to violent confrontations and ultimately contributing to the uprising against the Tsarist regime in 1917.As the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks continued their respective campaigns, the implications of this split permeated the entire revolutionary landscape. These factions would conduct their struggles for influence within the broader context of a Russian society increasingly aware of social inequalities and political repression. The ideological battle laid the groundwork for the distinct paths that each faction would take in the lead-up to and following the 1917 October Revolution, wherein the Bolsheviks ultimately prevailed in establishing a socialist state.