A abampere (aA) The unit of electric current in the CGSeniu system, defined as that current that, if flowing through two parallel conductors of negligible cross section and infinite length, placed 1 cm apart in vacuo, would produce on each conductor a force of 1 dyne per centimeter of length. 1 abampere = 1 abcoulomb/s = r statampere (where c = speed of light in cm/s) = 10 ampere. aberration Imperfect image formation due to geometric imperfections in the optical elements of a system ablation 1 . The wasting of glacier ice by any process (calving, melting, evaporation, etc.). 2. The shedding of molten material from the outer sur- face of a meteorite or tektite during its flight through the atmosphere. absolute age The age of a natural substance, of a fossil or living organism, or of an artifact, obtained by means of an absolute dating method. See absolute dating method. absolute density Density in kg/m' or, more commonly, in g/cm\ both at STP. Cf. density, relative density abso
Socialism in Europe and The Russian Revolution class 9 history
Socialism in Europe and The Russian Revolution class 9 history ncert solution
Q1. What were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Ans: The following were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905:
(a) Social Conditions
The majority religion was Russian Orthodox Christianity— which had grown out of the Greek Orthodox Church. But the empire also included Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and Buddhists.
Cross of the Russian Orthodox Church
The non-Russian nationalities were not treated equally to Russian nationalities. They were not given the freedom to follow their culture and language.
Workers were a divided group on the basis of skill and training. Peasants formed their group called commune or mir.
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(b) Economic Conditions
The majority of Russians were agriculturists. Grain was the main item of export from Russia.
Industries were few. Prominent industrial areas were St Petersburg and Moscow. Much of the production was done by the craftsmen.
There were large factories alongside the craft workshops. With the expansion of the Russian rail network, foreign investment in factories grew.
There was huge coal, iron, and steel production. There were equal numbers of factory workers and craftsmen. The workers were exploited by capitalists who made their life miserable.
(c) Political Conditions
Russia was a monarchy. (Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia and its empire that extended to current day Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, parts of Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus. It stretched to the Pacific and comprised today’s Central Asian states, as well as Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan).
The Tsars believed in the divine rights of kings.
They were not responsible to the Parliament.
All political parties were illegal in Russia.
Q2. In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe before 1917?
Ans:
Compared to the condition of the people of Europe, Russian people, especially the working class like the farmers and the factory workers, were very deplorable.
The main reason for it was the autocratic government of Tsar Nicholas II, who exploited these people day by day by his corrupt and oppressive policies.
Much of the produce of the peasant workers went into the hands of the landowners and the privileged classes. Large properties were owned by the nobility, the crown, and the Orthodox Church.
In European countries, the peasants respected nobles and fought for them, whereas, in Russia, the peasants wanted the land of the nobles to be given to them.
They often refused to pay rent and even murdered the landlords. This was because of the various oppressive policies and their built-up frustration.
The factory workers faced an equally miserable situation. They could not form any trade unions and political parties to express their grievances.
The private industrialists exploited the workers and many times did not give them minimum fixed wages also. There was also no limit set for the working hours.
Q3. Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
Ans: The following points present the background of the miserable conditions of the working population of Russia, which were also the reasons for the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917:
There was widespread discontent against the autocratic rule of Tsar. The Russian people wanted the end of the war and the conclusion of peace. But the Tsar, who had already mismanaged the war, still insisted on continuing the war. The peasants were the worst sufferers. They wanted that cultivable land should be given to the tillers, but the autocratic and corrupt government did not pay any need to their demands.
The condition of the workers was also very deplorable. They could not form any trade unions and political parties to express their grievance. Most industries were run by private industrialists. Many times these workers did not get even the minimum fixed wages. There was no limit of working hours as a result of which they had to work from 12-15 hours a day.
The autocratic rule of the Tsar had become quite inefficient. He was a self-willed, corrupt, and oppressive ruler who never cared for the welfare of the people of the country.
The teachings of Karl Marx also encouraged the people to raise a standard revolt.
The Tsar’s participation and defeat in the First World War proved the last straw to break the camel’s back.
Q4. Make two lists: one with the main events and the effects of the February Revolution and the other with the main events and effects of the October Revolution. Write a paragraph on who was involved in each, who were the leaders, and what was the impact of each on Soviet history.
Ans:
(a) The February Revolution
In February 1917, acute food shortages were felt in the workers’ quarters.
Parliamentarians were opposed to the Tsar’s wish to dissolve the Duma.
On 22nd February, a factory lockout occurred and many women led the way to the strikes. The strikes continued, with the workers surrounding fashionable quarters and official buildings at the center of Petrograd — the Nevsky Prospekt.
On 25th February, the Duma was dissolved. This resulted in a ransacking of the Police Headquarters on the 27th.
The cavalry refused to fire at the protesting crowd, and by evening, the revolting soldiers and the striking workers were united as a “soviet” or “council” called the Petrograd Soviet.
The Tsar abdicated his power on 2nd March, and the Soviet and Duma leaders formed a Provisional Government for Russia.
The February Revolution had no political party at its forefront. It was led by the people themselves. Petrograd had brought down the monarchy and thus gained a significant place in Soviet history.
February Revolution
(b) The October Revolution
This arose out of the conflict between the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks.
In September, Vladimir Lenin began to bring together Bolshevik supporters for an uprising.
On 16 October 1917, he convinced the Petrograd Soviet and the Bolshevik Party for a socialist seizure of power. A Military Revolutionary Committee was appointed under Leon Trotsky to organize this capture of power.
When the uprising began on 24 October, Prime Minister Kerenskii left the city to bring in the troops to prevent the situation from going out of control.
In a swift response, the Military Revolutionary Committee attacked government offices; the ship Aurora shelled the Winter Palace, and by nightfall on the 24th, the city was under Bolshevik control.
After some serious fighting, the Bolsheviks gained full control of the Moscow-Petrograd area. The actions of the Bolsheviks were unanimously accepted at a meeting of the All Russian Congress of Soviets in Petrograd.
The October Revolution was primarily led by Lenin and his subordinate Trotskii and involved the masses who supported these leaders. It marked the beginning of Lenin’s rule over the Soviets, with the Bolsheviks under his guidance.
Q5. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
Ans:
Industries and banks were nationalized. This meant that the government now had its ownership and management.
The land was declared social property and peasants were allowed to seize the land of the nobility. In cities, Bolsheviks enforced the partition of large houses according to family requirements.
Use of the old titles of the aristocracy was banned. New uniforms for the army and officials were designed.
The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik).
Despite opposition by their political allies, the Bolsheviks made peace with Germany and withdrew from the First World War.
In the later years, the Bolsheviks became the only party to participate in the elections to the All Russian Congress of Soviets. It became the Parliament of Russia.
Q6. Write a few lines to show what you know about
(a) Kulaks
(b) The Duma
(c) Women workers Between 1900 and 1930
(d) The Liberals
(e) Stalin’s Collectivisation Programme
Ans:
(a) Kulaks
They were the well-to-do peasants who were supposed to be holding stocks in the hope of higher prices.
They were raided so that they may be eliminated in order to develop modern farms and establish state-controlled large farms.
(b) The Duma
The Duma was a consultative parliament that was created on the permission of the Tsar during the 1905 Revolution.
(c) Women Workers Between 1900 and 1930
Women made up 31% of the factory labor force but were paid between 1/2 and 3/4 of a man’s wages.
They actively led the strikes in many factories. They even worked in the collective farms.
(d) The Liberals
They were a group which looked to change society. They wanted a nation which tolerated all religions and opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers.
They argued for a representative, elected parliamentary government subject to laws interpreted by a well-trained judiciary independent of rulers and officials.
(e) Stalin’s Collectivisation Programme
Stalin hoped to solve the problem of food shortage by combining small farms with large and modern farms.
This was a collectivisation programme that began in 1929. Peasants were forced to work in these state-controlled collective farms called Kolkhoz.
Socialism in Europe and The Russian Revolution class 9 history MCQ
1. Karl Marx wanted workers to overthrow :
(a) capitalism
(b) rule of private property
(c) accumulation of profits by capitalists
(d) radicals
► (a) capitalism
2. Which among the following groups was against any kind of political or social change?
(a) nationalists
(b) conservatives
(c) liberals
(d) radicals
► (b) conservatives
3. The people who wanted to put an immediate end to the existing governments in Europe (in 1815) were called:
(a) nationalists
(b) liberals
(c) revolutionaries
(d) radicals
► (c) revolutionaries
4. Which of these statements is/are correct about Europe after the French Revolution?
(a) Suddenly it seemed possible to change the aristocratic society of the 18th century.
(b) However not everyone wanted a complete transformation of society.
(c) Some wanted gradual shifts, while others wanted complete change of society.
(d) All the above
► (d) All the above
5. Industrialisation did not lead to which of the following problems?
(a) poor wages
(b) long hours of work
(c) liberalism
(d) development of new industrialized regions
► (c) liberalism
6. The majority religion of Russia was ___________ but the empire also included _________
(a) Russian Orthodox Church, grown out of Greek Orthodox Church
(b) Russian Orthodox Church
(c) Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Buddhists
(d) Both (b) and (c)
► (d) Both (b) and (c)
7. Which of the statements given about the Socialist Revolutionary Party is not true?
(a) The Socialist Revolutionary Party was formed by socialists active in the countryside
(b) They struggled for peasants’ rights and demanded that land from nobles be transferred to them
(c) They were one united group fighting for their rights
(d) Both (a) and (b)
► (c) They were one united group fighting for their rights
8. According to the views held by the people of Europe regarding social change, they came to be called
(a) liberals
(b) radicals
(c) conservatives
(d) all the above
► (d) all the above
9. Which of the following statement (s) is/are correct regarding what the ‘liberals’ wanted?
(a) Not to tolerate all the religions
(b) To oppose uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers
(c) Universal adult franchise
(d) Government appointed by the king
► (b) To oppose uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers
10. What were the ideas of ‘conservatives’ regarding social change in the 19th century?
(a) They accepted that some change was required
(b) They believed that change should be done by a slow process
(c) They were completely opposed to any such change
(d) Both (a) and (b)
► (d) Both (a) and (b)
11. In order to develop societies, liberals and radicals believed
(a) in the value of individual effort, labor and enterprise
(b) in the privileges of the old aristocracy
(c) that those who had capital should work with restraint
(d) all the above
► (a) in the value of individual effort, labor and enterprise
12. How can you say that the ‘liberals’ were not ‘democrats’?
(a) They did not believe in universal adult franchise
(b) They felt that only men of property should have a right to vote
(c) Women should not have right to vote
(d) All the above
► (d) All the above
13. What kind of developments took place as a result of new political trends in Europe?
(a) Industrial Revolution occurred
(b) New cities came up
(c) Railways expanded
(d) All the above
► (d) All the above
14. Who conspired in Italy to bring about a revolution?
(a) Bismarck
(b) Karl Marx
(c) Guiseppe Mazzini
(d) None of the above
► (c)
15. Why did some liberals and radicals become revolutionaries in France, Italy, Russia etc.?
(a) They wanted to concentrate powers in their own hands
(b) They wanted to overthrow the existing monarchs
(c) They were against equal rights
(d) None of the above
► (b) They wanted to overthrow the existing monarchs
16. When was the Socialist Revolutionary Party formed in Russia?
(a) 1898
(b) 1900
(c) 1905
(d) 1910
► (b) 1900
17. By the mid-19th century in Europe, the idea which attracted widespread attention on the restructuring of society was
(a) Capitalism
(b) Socialism
(c) Dictatorship
(d) None of the above
► (b) Socialism
18. The procession of workers to the Winter Palace was attacked by the police killing
100 workers. This incident is called
(a) Black Sunday
(b) Bloody Sunday
(c) Rebellious Sunday
(d) Unlucky Sunday
► (b) Bloody Sunday
19. Which of the following is true about the peasants of Russia?
(a) Except in a few cases, they had no respect for the nobility
(b) Peasants wanted the land of the nobles to be given to them
(c) Frequently they refused to pay rent and even murdered the landlords
(d) All the above
► (b) Peasants wanted the land of the nobles to be given to them
20. What were the demands made by the workers in St. Petersburg who went on a strike?
(a) Reduction of working time to eight hours
(b) Increase in wages
(c) Improvement in working conditions
(d) All the above
► (d) All the above
21. In the World War I, which started in 1914, Russia fought against
(a) Britain and France
(b) Germany and Austria
(c) America
(d) All the above
► (b) Germany and Austria
22. Why did the Tsar dismiss the first Duma within 75 days of its election?
(a) Because it was incapable of taking good decisions
(b) Because the Tsar did not want anyone to question his authority
(c) The term of first Duma was of 75 days only
(d) None of the above
► (b) Because the Tsar did not want anyone to question his authority
23. What was the position of Russia’s army in Germany and Austria between 1914 and 1916?
(a) The Russian army brought a lot of destruction to Germany and Austria.
(b) It killed a large member of people and was victorious
(c) Russian army lost badly
(d) None of the above
► (c) Russian army lost badly
24. Why did the support of people to the Tsar for war gradually started decreasing?
(a) Because of rising prices
(b) Army was sick and tired of war
(c) Because Tsar Nicholas II refused to consult the main parties in Duma
(d) None of the above
► (c) Because Tsar Nicholas II refused to consult the main parties in Duma
25. Why did a lockout take place at a factory on the right bank of the River Neva on 22 February, 1917?
(a) It was extremely cold for the workers to work, because of frost and heavy snow
(b) The workers were being forced to join the army
(c) Food shortages were deeply felt in the workers’ quarters situated on the left bank of the River Neva
(d) Both (a) and (c)
► (d) Both (a) and (c)
26. In order to control the situation, the government called the cavalry. How did the cavalry react?
(a) The cavalry killed a large number of workers
(b) Most of the cavalry did not turn up due to extreme cold
(c) The cavalry refused to fire on the demonstrators
(d) None of the above
► (c) The cavalry refused to fire on the demonstrators
27. When did the government suspend the Duma?
(a) 25 February, 1917
(b) 26 February, 1917
(c) 27 February, 1917
(d) 28 February, 1917
► (a) 25 February, 1917
28. Which of the following events took place after the Tsar abdicated on 2nd March?
(a) Provisional government was formed
(b) It was decided to set up a Constituent Assembly
(c) Constituent Assembly was formed by revolutionaries only
(d) Both A and B
► (d) Both A and B
29. On 27th February 1917, soldiers and striking workers gathered to form a council called
(a) Soviet Council
(b) Petrograd Soviet
(c) Moscow Union
(d) Russian Council
► (b) Petrograd Soviet
30. In the context of Russia, who launched the slogan-‘‘Peace, Land and Bread’’?
(a) Chernov
(b) Rasputin
(c) Lenin
(d) Trotsky
► (c) Lenin
31. When did the Tsar abdicate the throne?
(a) 28 February, 1917
(b) 2 March, 1917
(c) 10 April, 1917
(d) 15 May, 1918
► (b) 2 March, 1917
32. In the context of Russia, which group was the supporter of women’s ‘Suffrage Movements’?
(a) Liberals
(b) Radicals
(c) Conservatives
(d) None of these
► (b) Radicals
33. Why were most of the Bolshevik Party members initially surprised by ‘April Theses’?
(a) They wanted continuation of World War I
(b) They thought that time was not ripe for a socialist revolution
(c) Government needed to be supported at this time
(d) All the above
► (d) All the above
34. Socialists took over the government in Russia through the?
(a) October Revolution in 1917
(b) November Revolution in 1918
(c) December Revolution in 1919
(d) February Revolution in 1920
► (a) October Revolution in 1917
35. Who led the Bolshevik group in Russia during the Russian Revolution?
(a) Karl Marx
(b) Friedrich Engels
(c) Vladimir Lenin
(d) Trotsky
► (c) Vladimir Lenin
36. In the context of Russia, who launched the slogan-‘‘Peace, Land and Bread’’?
(a) Chernov
(b) Rasputin
(c) Lenin
(d) Trotsky
► (c) Lenin
37. Who started the ‘Collectivisation Programme’ in Russia?
(a) Lenin
(b) Karl Marx
(c) Rasputin
(d) Stalin
► (d) Stalin
38. Which one of the following refers to the secret police of Russia?
(a) Cheka
(b) Gestapo
(c) Security Police
(d) F.B.I.
► (a) Cheka
39. In the context of Russia, what was ‘KULAK’?
(a) A collective Farm
(b) A Russian Church
(c) Well-to-do Peasants
(d) Landless Laborers
► (c) Well-to-do Peasants
40. After the abdication of Tsar Nicolas II in 1917, Soviet leaders and Duma leaders formed a:
(a) National Government to run the country
(b) Provisional Government to run the country
(c) Local Government to run the country
(d) Central Government to run the country
► (b) Provisional Government to run the country
41. The Russian Social Democratic Workers Party was founded in
(a) 1898 by Socialists
(b) 1899 by Communists
(c) 1899 by Lenin
(d) 1899 by Middle Class
► (a) 1898 by Socialists
42. After 1905, most committees and trade unions were:
(a) declared illegal
(b) declared legal
(c) active
(d) none of the above
► (a) declared illegal
43. Russian peasants were different from other European peasants because:
(a) They had no respect for the nobility
(b) They pooled their land together
(c) They were not different
(d) both (a) and (b)
► (d) both (a) and (b)
44. The Jadidists of Russia aimed that:
(a) Socialist should rule Russia
(b) Democrats should rule Russia
(c) Modernized Muslims should rule Russia
(d) Liberal Christians should rule Russia
► (c) Modernized Muslims should rule Russia
45. At the beginning of the 20th century, the majority of Russian people worked in the:
(a) Industrial sector
(b) Agricultural sector
(c) Mining sector
(d) Transport sector
► (b) Agricultural sector
46. Which religion was followed by most of the people of Russia?
(a) Catholics
(b) Protestants
(c) Russian Orthodox Christianity
(d) None of the above
► (c) Russian Orthodox Christianity
Socialism in Europe and The Russian Revolution class 9 history SAQ
Q.1. Differentiate between the ideas of the liberals and radicals in Europe (take the time period as after the French Revolution).
Ans.1-The liberals did not believe in universal franchise. In contrast, radicals wanted a nation in which the government was based on the majority of a country’s population.
2-Liberals felt men of prosperity should have the vote. They did not want the vote for women. On the other hand the radicals supported women’s suffrage movements and opposed the privileges of great landowners and wealthy factory owners.
3-They were not against the existence of private property but disliked concentration of property in the hands of a few.
Q.2.Why do we say that liberals during this time could not be called ‘democrats’?
And.The liberals opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers and wanted to safeguard the rights of individuals against governments.
· They also argued for a representative, elected parliamentary government, subject to laws interpreted by a well-trained judiciary that was independent of rulers and officials. But, however, they could not be called democrats.
· They did not believe in universal adult franchise and also did not want the vote for women. They felt the right to vote should only be for men of property.
Q.3. How should society, according to liberals and radicals, develop?
Ans. 1. Liberals and radicals were often property owners and employers.
2. They acquired wealth through industrial ventures and trade. They firmly believed that such efforts should be encouraged and that its profits would be reaped if the work force in the economy was healthy and citizens were educated.
3. They put forth that societies could develop if the poor could labor, freedom of individuals was ensured and those with capital could operate without restraint.
Q.4. Why were socialists against private property and saw it as the root of all social ills?
Ans 1-. The people who propagated socialism said that individuals, who owned property, did provide employment to many people but they were concerned with personal gains only.
2- They did not bother about the welfare of the people.
3-They felt that if society controlled property, more attention would be paid to collective social interests.
Q.5. Describe the incident known as ‘Bloody Sunday’.
Ans. 1. Over 110,000 workers in St. Petersburg went on strike in 1905, demanding a reduction in the working day to eight hours, an increase in wages and improvement in working conditions.
2. When this procession reached the Winter Palace it was attacked by the police and the Cossacks. 3. Over 100 workers were killed and about 300 wounded.
This incident, known as Bloody Sunday, started a series of events that became known as the 1905 Revolution.
Q.6.What effect did the war have on the industry of Russia.
Ans. Russian industries were very few in number and the country was cut off from other suppliers of industrial goods by German control of the Baltic Sea. Industrial equipment disintegrated more rapidly in Russia than elsewhere in Europe. By 1916 railway lines began to break down. Able bodied men were called up to the war. As a result, there were labor shortages and small workshops producing essential commodities were shut down.
Q.7. Why was the decision to collectivize farms taken?
Ans. 1. It was thought that rich peasants and traders in the countryside were holding stocks in the hope of higher prices.
2. This created a shortage.
3. As shortage continued, the decision was taken to collectivize farms as Lenin felt that the small size of farms caused the shortage.
4. They also felt that these small size farms could not be modernized.
5. They felt that the need of the hour was to develop modern farms and run them along industrial lines with machinery.
Q.8. “By the 1950s it was acknowledged within the country that the style of government in the USSR was not in keeping with the ideals of the Russian Revolution.” Why was this said?
Ans. 1. In the 1950s it was acknowledged within the country that the style of government in the USSR was not in keeping with the ideals of the Russian Revolution. 2. Russia, being a backward country, had become a great power.
3. Its industries and agriculture had developed and the poor were being fed.
4. But it had denied the essential freedoms to its citizens and carried out its developmental projects through repressive policies.
Q.9.What was the role of the Tsar in the peasant revolt of 1905? Discuss briefly.
Ans.1-During the 1905 Revolution, the Tsar allowed the creation of an elected consultative parliament or Duma. The Tsar dismissed it within 75 days and was re-elected.
2-Second Duma: within 3 months. He did not want any questioning of his authority or any reduction in his power. He changed the voting laws and packed the third Duma with conservative politicians.
Q.10.What was the basic principle of the Marxist theory?
Ans. 1-Marx believed that the condition of workers could not improve as long as profit was accumulated by private capitalists.
2- Workers had to overthrow capitalism and the rule of private property.
3- Workers must construct a radically socialist society where all property is socially controlled. This would be a communist society and a Communist Party was the natural society of the future.
Q.11 Discuss briefly the Five Years Plans.
Ans. A process of centralized planning was introduced. Officials assessed how the economy could work and set targets for a five-year period, on this basis they made the five-year plans. The government fixed all prices to promote industrial growth during the first two plans (1927-32 and 1933-38) centralized planning led to economic growth.
Write a few lines to show what you know about:
(i) Kulaks
(ii) The Duma
(iii) Women workers between 1900 and 1930.
(iv) The Liberals.
(v) Stalin's collectivization programme.
Solution:
(i) Kulaks: They were the well-to-do peasants who were supposed to be holding stocks in the hope
of higher prices. They were raided so that they may be eliminated in order to develop modern farms and establish state-controlled large farms.
(ii) The Duma: The Duma was a consultative parliament that was created on the permission of the Tsar during the 1905 Revolution.
(iii) Women workers between 1900 and 1930: Women made up 31% of the factory labor force, but were paid between 1/2 and 3/4 of a man’s wages. They actively led the strikes in many factories. They even worked on collective farms.
(iv) The Liberals: They were a group which looked to change society. They wanted a nation which tolerated all religions and opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers. They argued for a representative, elected parliamentary government subject to laws interpreted by a well-trained judiciary independent of rulers and officials.
(v) Stalin’s collectivisation programme: Stalin hoped to solve the problem of food shortage by combining small farms with large and modern farms. This was a collectivisation programme that began in 1929. Peasants were forced to work in these state-controlled collective farms called Kolkhoz.
Socialism in Europe and The Russian Revolution class 9 history LONG QUESTION
Q.1. Explain how a society, according to socialists, can operate without property. What would be the basis of socialist society?
Ans. Co-operatives could not be built on a wide scale only through individual initiative.
1. They wanted governments to encourage co-operatives and replace capitalist enterprise.
2.They said that cooperatives were to be associations of people who produced goods together and divided the profits according to the work done by members.
3.More ideas were added to this body of arguments.
4. These ideas were added by Karl Marx and Fredric Engels. Marx argued that industrial society was capitalist. Capitalists owned the capital invested in factories.
5. The profit which came to them through these factories was produced by the workers. The workers contributed to the profits but did not gain anything.
Q.2.Discuss Stalin’s collectivisation programme.
Ans. 1. Stalin felt that collectivisation would definitely solve the problem of shortage.
2. From 1929 the Party forced the peasants to cultivate in collective farms (Kolkhoz).
3. The bulk of land and implements were transferred to the ownership of collective farms.
4. Peasants worked on the land and the Kolkhoz profit was shared.
5. Enraged peasants resisted the authorities and destroyed their livestock. Between 1929 and 1931 the number of cattle fell by 1/3.
Q.3. Comment on the role of Vladimir Lenin in the revolution and his contribution to economic policy.
Ans. 1.Vladimir Lenin played an important part in the Russian Revolution of 1917.
2. Lenin led the revolutionaries after the fall of the Tsar under Lenin’s leadership; the Bolshevik Party put forward clear policies to end the war.
3. Transfer land to the peasants and advance the slogan ‘All power to the Soviets’.
4. He was of the opinion that no genuine democracy could be established unless all the non-Russians were given equal rights.
5. These were the real objectives of the Russian Revolution and he fulfilled all these objectives. That is why Lenin’s name has become inseparable from the Russian Revolution.
Q.4.What were the immediate consequences of the Russian Revolution?
Ans.1. Most industries and banks were nationalized in November 1917.
2.This meant the government took over the ownership and management. Land was declared social property.
3. Peasants were allowed to seize the land of the nobility.
4. In cities, Bolsheviks enforced the partition of large houses according to family requirements.
5. They banned the use of the old title of aristocracy.
Q.5. How did Russia's participation in the World War cause the fall of the Tsar?
Ans. 1. The war was initially popular and people rallied around Tsar Nicholas II.
2. The war continued, support became thin and Tsar's popularity declined. Anti-German sentiments became high.
3. The Tsarina Alexandra's German origins and poor advisers, especially a monk called Rasputin, made the autocracy unpopular.
4. Defeats were shocking and demoralizing. Russia's armies lost badly in Germany and Austria between 1914 and 1916. There were over 7 million casualties by 1917.
5. The destruction of crops and buildings led to over 3 million refugees in Russia. The situation discredited the government and the Tsar.
Q.1- What conditions led to the Russian Civil War in 1918-1920? Any four points.
Ans. (i) The Russian army began to break up after Bolsheviks ordered land redistribution. Soldiers who were mostly peasants wished to go home for the land and deserted.
(ii) Now Bolshevik Socialists, Liberals and supporters of autocracy condemned the Bolshevik uprising. Their leaders organized the troops to fight the Bolsheviks.
(iii) During 1918 and 1919, the ‘greens’ (Socialist Revolutionaries) and ‘whites’ (pro-Tsarists) controlled most of the Russian empire. They were backed by French, American, British and Japanese troops. As these troops and the Bolsheviks fought a civil war, looting, banditry and famine became common.
(iv)Supporters of private property among ‘whites’ took harsh steps with peasants who had seized land.
Q.2- Comment on the global influence of the Russian Revolution.
Ans.1- Existing socialist parties in Europe did not wholly approve of the way the Bolsheviks took power and kept it.
2-Still the possibility of a workers’ state fired their imagination across the world. In many countries communist parties were formed.
3-Bolsheviks encouraged colonial people to follow their example. Many non-Russians received education in the USSR’s University of the Peoples of the East. By the time the Second World War broke out, the USSR had given socialism a global face and world stature.
Q.3- What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Ans. Social conditions: People of different social status, classes, religions and diverse nationalities were there. Imposition of the Russian language was made to belittle the cultures of these people. Main groups of the Russian population were farmers, workers, landowners, capitalists, industrialists and traders.
Economic conditions: 85 percent of Russians were agriculturists. Agriculture provided employment to a vast population. Cultivators produced food for market as well as their own needs
Political conditions: Nobles got their power and position through their services to the Tsar, not through local popularity. This was unlike France where peasants respected nobles and fought for them. In Russia, peasants wanted the land of the nobles; they refused to pay rent and even murdered landlords.
What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Solution:
The following were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905.
(a) Social Conditions: The majority religion was Russian Orthodox Christianity which had grown out of the Greek Orthodox Church. But the empire also included Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Buddhists. The non-Russian nationalities were not treated equal to that of Russian nationalities. They were not given the freedom to follow their culture and language. Workers were divided into groups on the basis of skill and training. Peasants formed their group called commune or mir.
(b) Economic conditions: The majority of Russians were agriculturists. Grain was the main item of export from Russia. Industries were few. Prominent industrial areas were St Petersburg and Moscow. Much of the production was done by the craftsmen. There were large factories alongside the craft workshops. With the expansion of the Russian rail network, foreign investment in factories grew. There was huge coal, iron and steel production. There were equal numbers of factory workers and craftsmen. The workers were exploited by capitalists who made their life miserable.
(c) Political Conditions: Russia was a monarchy. (Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia and its empire that extended to current-day Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, parts of Poland, Ukraine and Belarus. It stretched to the Pacific and comprised today’s Central Asian states, as well as Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan). The Tsars believed in the divine rights of kings. They were not responsible to the Parliament. All political parties were illegal in Russia.
What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Solution:
The following were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905.
(a) Social Conditions: The majority religion was Russian Orthodox Christianity which had grown out of the Greek Orthodox Church. But the empire also included Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Buddhists. The non-Russian nationalities were not treated equal to that of Russian nationalities. They were not given the freedom to follow their culture and language. Workers were divided into groups on the basis of skill and training. Peasants formed their group called commune or mir.
(b) Economic conditions: The majority of Russians were agriculturists. Grain was the main item of export from Russia. Industries were few. Prominent industrial areas were St Petersburg and Moscow. Much of the production was done by the craftsmen. There were large factories alongside the craft workshops. With the expansion of the Russian rail network, foreign investment in factories grew. There was huge coal, iron and steel production. There were equal numbers of factory workers and craftsmen. The workers were exploited by capitalists who made their life miserable.
(c) Political Conditions: Russia was a monarchy. (Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia and its empire that extended to current-day Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, parts of Poland, Ukraine and Belarus. It stretched to the Pacific and comprised today’s Central Asian states, as well as Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan). The Tsars believed in the divine rights of kings. They were not responsible to the Parliament. All political parties were illegal in Russia.
In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?
Solution:
The working population in European countries was a more united lot than those in Russia. Workers in England and Germany formed associations and fought for better living and working conditions. Funds were set up by these Associations to help workers in distress. The workers in European countries were united in their demand for a reduction of working hours and the right to vote. Workers' associations also supported political parties and ultimately formed political parties themselves. The Labour Party in Britain and a Socialist Party in France are examples of political parties formed by socialists and trade unionists.
In total contrast to the working population in Europe, the Russian workers were not united. Workers were divided on the basis of their occupation. Workers whose jobs needed skill and training considered themselves on a higher plane than the untrained workers. Workers had strong links to the villages they came from and this also caused a social divide among workers. Workers’ associations rose dramatically in Russia also, as in Europe. They demanded reduced working hours and higher wages. The workers were suppressed by the government.
Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
Solution:
Anti-German sentiments in Russia were high owing to the First World War. Further, Tsarina Alexandra’s German origin and poor advisors made the autocracy unpopular. Russia suffered shocking defeats on the waterfront with millions of casualties. Crops and buildings were destroyed by the Russian army to prevent the enemy having any advantage. It led to millions of refugees. The Tsar was being cursed for this situation. Food shortage led to people rioting for food. The Russian army too shifted its loyalty and began supporting the revolutionaries.
A lockout took place at a factory on the right bank of Neva river in sympathy with the workers on the left bank on 22nd February. Women-led the way to strikes. The government imposed a curfew. Later the government suspended the Duma which resulted in sharp protests. The demonstrators ransacked the Police Headquarters and raised slogans about bread, wages, better hours and democracy.
The government called the cavalry but they refused to fire on the demonstrators. Soldiers and the striking workers gathered to form a ‘Soviet’ or ‘council’ in the building where the Duma met. This was the Petrograd Soviet. The very next day, when a delegation went to see the Tsar, the military commanders advised the Tsar to abdicate. Soviet leaders and Duma leaders formed a Provisional Government to run the country. The Tsarist autocracy thus collapsed in February 1917.
Make two lists: one with the main events and the effects of the February Revolution and the other with the main events and effects of the October Revolution. Write a paragraph on who was involved in each, who were the leaders and what was the impact of each on Soviet history.
Solution:
February Revolution:
22 February: Factory lockout on the right bank.
23 February: Sympathy strike by workers in 50 factories.
24th & 25th: Strikers stage demonstrations. Police called out to suppress the workers.
25th: The government suspends the Duma.
27th: Police Headquarters ransacked by the workers. Regiments support the workers. Striking workers from the Petrograd soviet.
2nd March: The Tsar abdicates. Soviet and Duma leaders form the Provisional Government.
Effects:
Army officials, landowners, and industrialists became influential.
Restrictions on public meetings were removed.
Trade unions grew in number.
October Revolution:
16th October:
Vladimir Lenin, the Bolshevik leader persuades the Petrograd Soviet and the Bolshevik Party to agree to a socialist seizure of power.
A Military Revolutionary Committee was appointed by the Soviet
24th:
The uprising against the Provisional government begins.
The Military Revolutionary Committee seized government offices and arrested ministers.
The winter palace was shelled.
Ministers of the Provisional government surrendered.
The Bolsheviks gained control.
Effects:
Industries and banks were nationalized.
Russia became a one-party state. The single party being the Bolshevik Party.
During the February Revolution, the factory workers and the Government Regiments played an important role. The workers and the regiments joined together. The major impact of the February Revolution was the downfall of the Russian Monarchy and the establishment of the Petrograd Soviet.
Vladimir Lenin, the Bolshevik leader, played a major role during the October revolution. His Bolshevik Party overthrew the Provisional Government and gained power. The Russian Communist Party came into existence.
What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
Solution:
Many changes were brought about by the Bolsheviks after the October Revolution. They were:
Industries and banks were nationalized. This meant that the government now had their ownership and management. The land was declared social property and peasants were allowed to seize the land of the nobility. In cities, Bolsheviks enforced the partition of large houses according to family requirements.
The use of the old titles of the aristocracy was banned. New uniforms for the army and officials were designed.
The Bolshevik Party was renamed as the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik).
Despite opposition by their political allies, the Bolsheviks made peace with Germany and withdrew from the First World War.
In the later years, the Bolsheviks became the only party to participate in the elections to the All Russian Congress of Soviets. It became the Parliament of
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