The Cause of the World War (about imperialism): Scranton: Z drukarnï “Narodnoï volï”, 1916, 24 p.

In this brochure, Volodymyr Levynskyi analyzes the origins of World War I from a Marxist perspective. The author draws attention to the intensification of interstate rivalry caused by economic competition characteristic of late-capitalist societies.A central theme of the text is the critique of bourgeois and nationalist interpretations of the First World War, which the author contrasts with the internationalist position of revolutionary social democracy. He argues that the imperialist and expansionist policies of European states, along with their rivalry, were the causes that led to rapid general rearmament. Levynskyi emphasizes the tragedy of the proletariat’s participation in an imperialist war that serves the interests of the ruling class and calls for class consciousness and solidarity beyond national boundaries.

Contents

Introduction

On Imperialism

The Imperialist Policy of Western European States and Their Rivalry