Page:The Social General Strike - Arnold Roller (1912).djvu/17



The characteristic main periods of the General Strike idea can be reviewed as follows:

1. The General Strike is the only form of revolution possible under the present conditions, qualified and created by the economic position of capitalism.

2. The General Strike can disturb society most severely because it attacks its vitality, its main support: production and consumption.

3. The General Strike is the clearest, most direct and unveiled expression of revolt of the proletariat, and is the result of the development of its everyday means of battle, "The Strike."

4. Owing to the division of labour, it is sufficient that only a few wheels stop in the complicated mechanism of modern production, to bring whole series of machines, factories, even whole industries to a standstill.

5. The General Strike needs no money support and is more apt to succeed in an unfavourable business crisis than in a favourable one.

6. The General Strike can reckon on the largest masses and largest success, because it starts quite lawfully, does not require great heroism, does not expose any one to danger, and is even promoted by the cowardice of those who stay at home.

7. Through the interruption of all means of transportation and communication, it is no more possible to fetch produce and nourishment from districts which remain quiet. The political and military authorities lose the possibilities of quick communication and movement of troops.

8. Through the absolute necessity of protecting the large cities and centres of industry, the private property of the exploiters, to watch the numerous railroad tracks (not only to uphold law and order, but also to care for the provisions of their own army) and through the endeavour to continue the most necessary production by aid of soldiers, the dispersion and disorganisation of the military forces will soon be effected, and the consequence thereof will be their complete impotence and the "Victory of the proletariat."