Russian Social Democratic Labour Party founded at Minsk

Background. The party emerged from the merger of various Marxist groups operating under Tsarist repression. Its primary goal was the overthrow of the autocracy and the establishment of a socialist state based on the revolutionary leadership of the Russian proletariat. The founding took place in Minsk, a city with significant industrial activity and a large population by the late 19th century.

Founding Congress. The first congress was held in March 1898 in Minsk. Nine delegates attended, representing the Jewish Labour Bund, the Workers' Newspaper in Kiev, and the League of Struggle for the Emancipation of the Working Class in Saint Petersburg. These groups had formed in 1897, a year prior to the congress. The event established the party's initial structure.

Lenin Attribution. Legacy records incorrectly attribute the founding to Vladimir Lenin. Historical sources indicate that Lenin, known as Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, joined the party after its formation, specifically before the Second Congress in 1903. He did not organize the founding congress in 1898, which was conducted by delegates from existing Marxist groups.