Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution: An Interview with Professor Anthony C. Sutton

Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution: An Interview with Professor Anthony C. Sutton

The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 remains one of the most significant events of the 20th century, shaping the geopolitical landscape for decades to come. While it is widely known that the revolution was spearheaded by Lenin and the Bolsheviks, less attention is given to the alleged financial backing from unexpected quarters: Wall Street. In this article, we explore this controversial topic through an interview with Professor Anthony C. Sutton, an economist and historian known for his extensive research on the relationship between Western financial interests and the Bolshevik Revolution.

The Controversial Connection

Interviewer: Professor Sutton, your research has suggested a link between Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution. Can you elaborate on how Western financial interests were involved?

Sutton: Certainly. My research, particularly in my book "Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution," uncovers how major Wall Street financiers and corporations provided substantial financial support to the Bolsheviks. This support came in various forms, including direct financial aid, technology transfers, and the facilitation of key logistical operations.

Key Players and Motives

Interviewer: Who were some of the key players on Wall Street involved in this alleged support, and what were their motives?

Sutton: Key figures included individuals like Jacob Schiff of Kuhn, Loeb & Co., a prominent investment banker who openly supported the overthrow of the Tsarist regime. Schiff’s motivations were complex, involving a mix of ideological alignment, economic interests, and geopolitical strategy. Additionally, companies like Standard Oil and General Electric had vested interests in the Russian economy and saw the revolution as an opportunity to expand their influence.

Financial Transactions and Evidence

Interviewer: What kind of evidence supports these claims of financial transactions between Wall Street and the Bolsheviks?

Sutton: The evidence includes bank records, corporate documents, and diplomatic communications. For instance, there are documented instances of financial transfers from American banks to Bolshevik-controlled accounts in Europe. Furthermore, records from the U.S. State Department and testimonies from contemporary witnesses corroborate the extent of this support.

Implications and Consequences

Interviewer: What were the implications of Wall Street's support for the Bolshevik Revolution?

Sutton: The implications were far-reaching. Wall Street's support helped the Bolsheviks consolidate power during the crucial early stages of the revolution. This, in turn, affected global political dynamics, contributing to the establishment of a communist regime that would later become a major player in global politics. Moreover, it highlighted the often-contradictory nature of Western financial interests, which sometimes aligned with ideologies ostensibly opposed to capitalism.

Counterarguments and Criticism

Interviewer: Critics argue that your claims are based on circumstantial evidence and conspiracy theories. How do you respond to these criticisms?

Sutton: While it is true that some of the evidence is circumstantial, the overall pattern is difficult to dismiss as mere coincidence. The convergence of financial interests, political strategies, and documented interactions points to a deliberate, albeit complex, relationship. Critics often overlook the nuanced nature of historical research, which requires piecing together various sources to form a coherent narrative.

Conclusion

The relationship between Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution, as presented by Professor Anthony C. Sutton, challenges conventional historical narratives. It underscores the intricate and sometimes contradictory interplay between finance and politics. As we reflect on this controversial topic, it is essential to critically examine the evidence and consider the broader implications of such alliances.

References

Sutton, Anthony C. Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution. Buccaneer Books, 1993.

Gatto, John Taylor. The Underground History of American Education. Oxford Village Press, 2000.

Quigley, Carroll. Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World in Our Time. Macmillan, 1966.

Ferguson, Niall. The House of Rothschild: Money's Prophets 1798-1848. Penguin Books, 1998.

Higham, Charles. Trading with the Enemy: The Nazi-American Money Plot 1933-1949. Barnes & Noble Books, 1983.