Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Herman Gorter, a Dutch poet, and it reflects the historical and social context of Russia during the early 20th century. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it's essential to delve into the historical background of the Russian Revolution and the dynamics between different social classes during that period.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a period of political and social upheaval in Russia, which ultimately led to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the establishment of the Soviet Union. The revolution was driven by a complex interplay of factors, including widespread discontent among the working class, the peasantry, and the urban poor.

At the time when Gorter wrote these words, the Russian masses, particularly the proletarians or the industrial working class, were experiencing firsthand the impact of the war and the brewing discontent among the peasantry. The war, in this context, refers to World War I, which had a profound effect on Russian society, leading to food shortages, economic instability, and widespread suffering among the population.

The reference to the peasants being "on their side" alludes to the growing solidarity between the urban proletariat and the rural peasantry. The peasants, who constituted the majority of the Russian population, were an essential social force, and their alignment with the proletarians was crucial for the success of the revolutionary movement.

The quote also implies a sense of inevitability – the certainty that the peasants would soon join forces with the proletarians. This anticipation of peasant support was a significant aspect of revolutionary strategy and ideology at the time. The peasants, who were often oppressed by landowners and burdened by feudal obligations, held the potential to significantly shift the balance of power in favor of the revolutionary movement.

Gorter's words capture the optimism and confidence that characterized the revolutionary spirit of the time. They reflect the belief that the solidarity between the urban and rural working classes would ultimately lead to a united front against the ruling elite and the oppressive social order.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the awareness among the proletarians of the shifting social dynamics and the potential for a broader coalition of the oppressed and disenfranchised. It speaks to the strategic understanding of the revolutionary leaders and activists who sought to mobilize and unite diverse segments of society in the struggle for social and economic justice.

In conclusion, Herman Gorter's quote encapsulates the anticipation and conviction of the Russian proletarians regarding the impending support of the peasants during the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution. It reflects the historical dynamics and the strategic outlook of the revolutionary movement, emphasizing the crucial role of solidarity and unity among different social classes in the pursuit of radical social change.