Chapter 2 History Class 9

History Chapter 2 Socialism in Europe and the Russia
Question-1
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 group 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 were 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.
Question-2
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 association also supported political parties and
ultimately formed political parties themselves.
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.
Question-3
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 enemy having any advantage. It led to
millions of refugees. 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 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. Soviet leaders and Duma leaders formed a Provisional Government to run the
country. The Tsarist autocracy thus collapsed in February 1917.
Question-4
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.
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.
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 nationalised.
Russia became a one-party state. The single party being the Bolshevik Party.
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.
Question-5
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 nationalised. 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.

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History Chapter 2 Socialism in Europe and the Russia

22 February: Factory lockout on the right bank.

Army officials, landowners, and industrialists became influential.

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