Meaning: The quote by Agnes Smedley captures a sense of disillusionment and resignation to the prevailing conditions of the time. It reflects the historical context of the early 20th century, a period marked by social upheaval, political turmoil, and the specter of war. Agnes Smedley, an American journalist and writer, was known for her radical politics and her firsthand experiences of the tumultuous events of the time, particularly in relation to the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia and the global labor movement.

The quote suggests a shift in the perceived inevitability of revolution towards a more pessimistic outlook, where the prospect of slavery – both literal and metaphorical – looms larger. This shift in perspective is informed by several key factors that Agnes Smedley alludes to in her statement.

Firstly, the reference to the working class no longer possessing the physical resistance for a revolution speaks to the physical and material conditions of the laboring masses. This may allude to the exhaustion and depletion of the working class due to prolonged exploitation, harsh working conditions, and the suppression of labor movements. It reflects the toll that industrialization and capitalism had taken on the bodies and spirits of the working people, making the prospect of mounting a successful revolution seem increasingly daunting.

Secondly, the mention of the strength of the Entente – the alliance of France, Russia, and the United Kingdom during World War I – highlights the formidable power of the ruling classes and the established political order. The Entente represented the entrenched forces of imperialism, colonialism, and militarism, which posed significant obstacles to any revolutionary movements seeking to challenge the status quo. The military and economic might of these powers presented a formidable barrier to radical change and social transformation.

Additionally, the characterization of Russia as too weak underscores the complexities and challenges facing revolutionary movements at the time. Russia, despite being the epicenter of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, was grappling with internal strife, external intervention, and the arduous task of consolidating power and implementing socialist reforms. The fragility of the revolutionary gains in Russia and the external pressures exerted by counter-revolutionary forces and foreign powers contributed to a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability.

Agnes Smedley's quote encapsulates a moment of profound disillusionment and resignation, reflecting the sobering realities of the historical moment. It speaks to the ebb and flow of revolutionary possibilities, the resilience and repression of working-class movements, and the formidable obstacles posed by entrenched power structures.

In conclusion, Agnes Smedley's quote offers a poignant reflection on the complexities and challenges of revolutionary struggle in the face of entrenched power, internal and external pressures, and the exhaustion of the working class. It serves as a reminder of the enduring tensions between hope and despair, resistance and repression, and the unpredictable dynamics of historical change.