Meaning: Béla Kun was a Hungarian communist revolutionary and politician who played a significant role in the establishment of the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919. The quote attributed to him reflects his belief in the concept of the "dictatorship of the proletariat," a key tenet of Marxist theory.

The "dictatorship of the proletariat" is a term coined by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the mid-19th century to describe a state of affairs in which the working class holds political power. According to Marxist theory, the proletariat, or the working class, must seize political power from the bourgeoisie, or the capitalist class, in order to establish a classless society. The dictatorship of the proletariat is seen as a transitional stage between capitalism and communism, during which the state withers away and a truly egalitarian society emerges.

In the context of Béla Kun's quote, he is asserting that his personal influence within the Revolutionary Governing Council is such that the dictatorship of the proletariat is firmly established. This suggests that Kun sees himself as a leading figure in the vanguard of the working class, wielding significant influence over the direction of the revolutionary government. His claim that the masses are backing him implies that he believes he has the support of the proletariat in his efforts to consolidate and maintain the dictatorship of the proletariat.

It is worth noting that the concept of the dictatorship of the proletariat has been a subject of debate and controversy both within Marxist circles and in broader political discourse. Critics argue that the term "dictatorship" carries negative connotations and can be misleading, as it does not necessarily imply authoritarian rule in the traditional sense. Rather, the dictatorship of the proletariat is intended to signify the political dominance of the working class as a whole, as opposed to the rule of a specific individual or party.

The Hungarian Soviet Republic, which Béla Kun helped to establish, was a short-lived communist state that existed from March to August 1919. During this time, Kun and his allies attempted to implement various socialist measures, including land reform, workers' councils, and the nationalization of industry. However, the government faced significant opposition from both internal and external forces, including counter-revolutionary movements, military intervention from neighboring countries, and economic challenges.

Kun's assertion of his personal influence in the Revolutionary Governing Council must be understood in the context of the tumultuous and volatile environment in which he was operating. The Hungarian Soviet Republic was under constant threat, and Kun's leadership was marked by intense political turmoil and internal divisions within the communist movement. Despite his claims of firm establishment of the dictatorship of the proletariat, the reality was far more precarious, and the government ultimately succumbed to a combination of internal and external pressures.

In the broader historical and ideological context, Béla Kun's quote reflects the fervent belief in the revolutionary potential of the working class and the determination to establish a society based on socialist principles. While his assertion of personal influence may have been a reflection of the intense power struggles and factionalism within the communist movement of the time, it also underscores the complex interplay between individual agency and broader historical forces in the pursuit of revolutionary change.

In conclusion, Béla Kun's quote encapsulates the spirit of revolutionary zeal and the commitment to advancing the cause of the proletariat during a tumultuous period of political upheaval. His assertion of personal influence in the establishment of the dictatorship of the proletariat reflects the fervent belief in the transformative potential of socialist revolution, even as the historical realities of the Hungarian Soviet Republic presented formidable challenges to the realization of these aspirations.