Mikhail Bakunin

Mikhail Bakunin , 1814-76, Russian revolutionary and leading exponent of anarchism . He came from an aristocratic family but entered upon revolutionary activities as a young man. He took part (1848-49) in the revolutions in France and Saxony and was sent back to Russia and exiled to Siberia. Escaping (1861), he went to London, where he worked with Aleksandr Herzen . In 1868, Bakunin became active in the First International , where, with his militant anarchist doctrines, he had great influence. These doctrines, however, brought him into conflict with Karl Marx , and he was expelled (1872). Bakunin believed that man is inherently virtuous and deserving of absolute freedom obtained through extreme individualism. He advocated violent overthrow of existing states and institutions as a necessary step to achieving such freedom. His writings include God and the State (1882, tr. 1893).

Bibliography: See studies by R. B. Saltman (1983) and A. Kelly (1987).

Bakunin, Mikhail (1814–76) Russian revolutionary, leading exponent of ANARCHISM and founder-member of the Russian Populist movement. He served in the emperor's army until his dismissal in 1835. After taking part in the REVOLUTIONS OF 1848 he was exiled to Siberia. He escaped in 1861 and went to London, which was used as a headquarters for militant anarchists and communists. The first International Workingmen's Association, founded in 1864, was marred by the conflict between MARX and Bakunin.