Class 9 : Social Science (In English) – Lesson 2. Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

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On June 16, 2025

EXPLANATION & SUMMARY

Introduction
The French Revolution (1789) introduced the ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which deeply influenced political thinkers across Europe. Many began to question the existing socio-economic system that created vast inequalities. This gave rise to a new ideology called Socialism, which advocated for collective ownership and equal distribution of wealth. These socialist ideas eventually led to a major historical event — the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Origins of Socialism and Its Core Ideas
Socialism is a political and economic theory that aims to end private ownership of resources and create a society where resources are shared equally. Socialists believed that capitalism led to inequality and exploitation of the working class.
Key socialist thinkers:

Robert Owen and Charles Fourier: Early socialists who believed in cooperative societies and self-sufficient communities.
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels: Introduced scientific socialism. In their book “The Communist Manifesto”, they argued that the working class (proletariat) must overthrow the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and establish a classless society through revolution.

The Situation in Russia in the Early 20th Century
Russia was ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, an autocratic monarch.
There was no parliament or political freedom; all decisions were made by the Tsar.
Russia was largely agricultural and industrially backward.
The peasants were poor and heavily taxed. Workers had low wages, long working hours, and no rights.
Dissatisfaction and unrest were growing among all sections of society.

Formation of Political Parties and Revolutionary Movements
Several political parties were formed to challenge Tsarist rule.
The Russian Social Democratic Labour Party and the Socialist Revolutionary Party were the most prominent.

The Social Democrats split into two groups:
Mensheviks: Favoured gradual reforms.
Bolsheviks: Believed in a radical revolution. They were led by Vladimir Lenin.

The Revolution of 1905
On 9 January 1905, thousands of workers led by Father Gapon marched peacefully to the Tsar’s palace in St. Petersburg, demanding fair wages and political rights.

Troops opened fire on the unarmed crowd, killing hundreds. This day became known as “Bloody Sunday”.
Massive strikes and protests followed throughout Russia.
In response, the Tsar promised a Duma (parliament), but it was later dissolved, and autocracy continued.

Russia and the First World War
Russia joined World War I in 1914.
The war worsened the country’s economic condition:
Food shortages, inflation, and rising casualties caused anger among soldiers and civilians.

The Tsar’s decision to control the army directly failed miserably, leading to further loss of public support.
The hardships during the war created a ripe situation for revolution.

The February Revolution (1917)
In February 1917, in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), workers and soldiers went on strike demanding food, better conditions, and an end to the war.
The army eventually joined the protestors.

Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate the throne.
A Provisional Government was formed, but it failed to withdraw from the war or address land reforms, thus losing public support.

The October Revolution (1917)
In October 1917, Lenin and the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government.
They took control of key institutions and declared the birth of a socialist state.
Lenin’s slogans like “Peace, Bread, and Land” appealed to workers, soldiers, and peasants.

Major reforms included:
Withdrawal from World War I
Land redistribution to peasants
Control of factories given to workers’ committees

Civil War and Lenin’s Policies (1918–1921)
Civil war broke out between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and White Army (Tsar supporters and socialists who opposed Bolsheviks).
Despite foreign support to the Whites, the Red Army won.

Lenin introduced War Communism:
Government control of industries and agriculture
Grain from peasants forcibly taken
This led to economic collapse and widespread dissatisfaction.
In response, Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921, allowing limited private trade and small-scale industries.

Formation of the USSR (1922)
In 1922, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was established, uniting Russia and several neighbouring republics.
It was based on socialist principles.

Key features:
Central planning by the state
Collective farming (Kolhoz)
State ownership of major industries
Free education and healthcare for all

Global Impact of the Russian Revolution
The success of the Bolshevik Revolution inspired communist movements worldwide.
Communist parties were formed in many countries including China, Germany, and India.

However, criticism grew over time due to:
One-party dictatorship
Lack of civil liberties
Suppression of dissent
Despite shortcomings, the revolution remains a landmark in the history of social transformation.

Conclusion
The lesson “Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution” explores how inequalities in Europe led to the emergence of socialist ideas. In Russia, these ideas took the form of a successful revolution, led by Lenin and the Bolsheviks. The revolution transformed Russia from a monarchy into a socialist state. It had a lasting global influence and marked the beginning of a new political era in world history.

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TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

1. What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Answer:
Socially, Russian society was divided. About 85% of the population were peasants, while the rest included nobles, clergy, and the ruling family. Industrial workers were also divided by skill and origin, and many maintained ties to their villages.
Economically, Russia was mainly agricultural, with industry growing in certain areas. Most industries were privately owned, but the government supervised large factories. There was significant foreign investment, and Russia was a major exporter of grain.
Politically, Russia was an autocracy ruled by the Tsar, who had absolute power and was not answerable to a parliament. Political parties and trade unions were restricted, and opposition was suppressed. The 1905 Revolution led to some reforms, but the Tsar retained most of his powers.

2. In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?
Answer:
In Russia, the majority of the population were peasants, unlike in most European countries where more people worked in industry or services. Russian peasants cultivated both for their own needs and for the market. Many workers in Russia maintained strong links with their villages, often returning home during harvests. In contrast, in Western Europe, workers were more urbanized and less connected to rural life.

3. Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
Answer:
The Tsarist autocracy collapsed due to political, social, and economic factors. The Tsar’s refusal to share power and his suppression of dissent created widespread dissatisfaction. The hardships caused by World War I, including food shortages, military defeats, and high casualties, increased public anger. Workers went on strike, peasants seized land, and soldiers mutinied. The Tsar lost support from the army and aristocracy, leading to his abdication and the end of autocratic rule.

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. Write a paragraph on who was involved in each, who were the leaders and what was the impact of each on Soviet history.
Answer:
February Revolution – Main Events and Effects:
Main events: Food shortages and strikes in Petrograd, mass protests involving workers and women, the army’s refusal to fire on demonstrators, the abdication of the Tsar, and the formation of the Provisional Government and Soviets.
Effects: End of monarchy, establishment of the Provisional Government, freedom of speech and assembly, and increased influence of Soviets (workers’ councils).
October Revolution – Main Events and Effects:
Main events: Bolsheviks, led by Lenin and Trotsky, planned the seizure of power. The Military Revolutionary Committee took control of key government offices, and the Winter Palace was stormed.
Effects: Overthrow of the Provisional Government, Bolshevik (Communist) rule established, nationalization of banks and industries, redistribution of land, and Russia becoming a one-party state.
Paragraph:
The February Revolution involved workers, soldiers, and ordinary citizens, with leadership from members of the Duma and Soviets. It ended centuries of Tsarist rule and led to the formation of a Provisional Government. The October Revolution was led by the Bolsheviks under Lenin and Trotsky, supported by workers and soldiers. It established communist rule in Russia, leading to radical changes in government, society, and the economy, and laid the foundation for the Soviet Union.

5. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
Answer:
The Bolsheviks nationalized industries and banks, transferring them to state ownership. Land was declared social property, and peasants were allowed to seize land from the nobility. Large houses were divided among families. Old aristocratic titles were abolished. The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik). Elections were held for a Constituent Assembly, but when the Bolsheviks did not win a majority, the assembly was dismissed. Russia became a one-party state, with trade unions and the press under party control.

6. 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
Answer:
(a) Kulaks: Wealthy peasants in Russia who were believed to hoard grain and resist Soviet policies. Stalin targeted them during his collectivization campaign, aiming to eliminate them as a class.
(b) The Duma: The elected consultative parliament created after the 1905 Revolution in Russia. The Tsar repeatedly dismissed the Duma when it challenged his authority, and later filled it with conservative members.
(c) Women workers between 1900 and 1930: Women made up a significant part of the workforce in Russian factories, often earning less than men. They played a crucial role in strikes and revolutionary movements.
(d) The Liberals: A political group in Russia who wanted a constitutional monarchy, equal rights for all religions, and parliamentary government. However, they believed only property-owning men should have the right to vote.
(e) Stalin’s collectivisation programme: Introduced in 1929, this policy forced peasants to join collective farms (kolkhoz) to increase agricultural production and state control. It led to widespread resistance, famine, and hardship for many peasants.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS

Q1–Q10: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with options and answers
Q1. Who led the Bolshevik Party in Russia during the Russian Revolution?
(a) Stalin
(b) Trotsky
(c) Lenin
(d) Nicholas II
Answer: (c) Lenin

Q2. Which of the following slogans was used by Lenin during the Russian Revolution?
(a) Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
(b) Peace, Bread and Land
(c) Workers of the world, unite
(d) Long live the Tsar
Answer: (b) Peace, Bread and Land

Q3. What was Bloody Sunday?
(a) The day Lenin took power
(b) The day the Tsar was crowned
(c) The massacre of peaceful protestors by Russian soldiers in 1905
(d) The start of World War I
Answer: (c) The massacre of peaceful protestors by Russian soldiers in 1905

Q4. In which year did the February Revolution take place in Russia?
(a) 1914
(b) 1917
(c) 1905
(d) 1922
Answer: (b) 1917

Q5. Which type of government was formed after the February Revolution?
(a) Monarchy
(b) Military rule
(c) Provisional Government
(d) Communist rule
Answer: (c) Provisional Government

Q6. The book “The Communist Manifesto” was written by:
(a) Lenin
(b) Stalin
(c) Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
(d) Trotsky and Lenin
Answer: (c) Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

Q7. Which group opposed the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War?
(a) Red Army
(b) White Army
(c) Workers’ Soviets
(d) Mensheviks only
Answer: (b) White Army

Q8. Who was the Tsar of Russia at the beginning of the 20th century?
(a) Alexander III
(b) Peter the Great
(c) Nicholas II
(d) Ivan the Terrible
Answer: (c) Nicholas II

Q9. Which event marked the final end of the Tsarist rule in Russia?
(a) October Revolution
(b) February Revolution
(c) Civil War
(d) Formation of the USSR
Answer: (b) February Revolution

Q10. What was the main aim of the Bolsheviks in 1917?
(a) To restore monarchy
(b) To end war and establish socialism
(c) To support the Tsar
(d) To promote capitalism
Answer: (b) To end war and establish socialism

Q11–Q15: Short Answer Type Questions (30–50 words each)
Q11. What were the main features of socialism?
Answer:
Socialism emphasized collective ownership of property, equal distribution of wealth, and ending the exploitation of workers. It aimed to establish a society without class divisions and ensure social justice through state planning and cooperation.

Q12. What is meant by Bloody Sunday?
Answer:
Bloody Sunday refers to the massacre on 9 January 1905, when Russian soldiers fired on peaceful protestors led by Father Gapon near the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, demanding better working conditions and political rights. Hundreds were killed.

Q13. What role did Karl Marx play in the development of socialist ideas?
Answer:
Karl Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, formulated the idea of scientific socialism. He advocated that the working class must overthrow capitalism through revolution. His ideas were published in The Communist Manifesto.

Q14. What were Soviets in the Russian context?
Answer:
Soviets were elected councils of workers, peasants, and soldiers formed during the Russian Revolution. They represented grassroots democratic power and played a major role in the Bolshevik takeover in 1917.

Q15. Why was the Provisional Government unpopular?
Answer:
The Provisional Government failed to address key issues like land reforms, withdrawal from World War I, and improving working conditions. It was seen as weak and unable to meet the expectations of the masses, which led to growing support for the Bolsheviks.

Q16–Q20: Short Answer Type Questions (continued)
Q16. What were the main demands of the 1905 Revolution in Russia?
Answer:
The main demands were:
Better working conditions and reduced working hours
Increase in wages
End to autocratic rule of the Tsar
Establishment of a constituent assembly
Civil liberties such as freedom of speech and press

Q17. What changes were introduced by Lenin after the October Revolution?
Answer:
Lenin implemented:
Withdrawal from World War I (Treaty of Brest-Litovsk)
Redistribution of land among peasants
Workers gained control of factories
Private banks and industries were nationalized
Equal rights to nationalities within Russia

Q18. What was War Communism?
Answer:
War Communism was a policy adopted during the Russian Civil War (1918–1921), which involved state control over industries, compulsory grain requisition from peasants, nationalization of all means of production, and ban on private trade.

Q19. How did the February Revolution differ from the October Revolution?
Answer:
The February Revolution was a spontaneous mass uprising that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and formation of a Provisional Government. The October Revolution, in contrast, was a planned and armed uprising led by Lenin and the Bolsheviks to seize power from the Provisional Government.

Q20. Why was the New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced?
Answer:
NEP was introduced by Lenin in 1921 due to economic collapse and peasant unrest caused by War Communism. It allowed small-scale private businesses and relaxed state control over agriculture to revive production and the economy.

Q21–Q25: Mid-Length Answer Type Questions (80–100 words each)
Q21. Explain the role of Lenin in the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
Lenin was the leader of the Bolshevik Party and the key figure behind the success of the October Revolution. He criticized the Provisional Government for failing to withdraw from WWI and for not redistributing land. He offered the people the slogan “Peace, Bread and Land.” Under his leadership, the Bolsheviks took control of Petrograd in October 1917, overthrew the Provisional Government, and established a socialist regime. He also introduced major reforms, including nationalization of industry and the NEP, laying the foundation for the USSR.

Q22. What were the causes of the Russian Revolution of 1917?
Answer:
The causes were:
Autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II
Social inequality and exploitation of peasants and workers
Defeat and hardship in World War I
Food shortages and inflation
Failure of the Provisional Government to meet public expectations
Spread of socialist ideas among workers and soldiers

Q23. Describe the role of workers and peasants in the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
Workers and peasants played a crucial role in both the February and October Revolutions. Workers formed soviets to represent their interests and led strikes demanding better wages and conditions. Peasants seized land from landlords and supported Bolshevik land reforms. Their collective action helped overthrow the Tsar and later supported Lenin’s socialist agenda, including nationalization and redistribution of resources.

Q24. What were the main features of the USSR formed in 1922?
Answer:
The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) was based on socialist principles:
Central planning by the state
Abolition of private property
Collective farming
Nationalization of industries
Free education and healthcare
Suppression of opposition parties
It aimed to create a classless, equal society but gradually evolved into a one-party state.

Q25. How did the Russian Revolution influence the world?
Answer:
The Russian Revolution inspired socialist movements globally. Communist parties were formed in countries like China, Vietnam, and India. Workers and peasants across Europe took inspiration from the Bolsheviks. It also led to the formation of the Comintern to promote global revolution. However, it also caused fear in capitalist countries, contributing to repression of left-wing movements elsewhere.

Q26–Q30: Long Answer Type Questions (Detailed, Step-by-Step Answers)

Q26. Describe the major events of the October Revolution of 1917.
Answer:
The October Revolution was a planned and armed uprising by the Bolsheviks. The major events include:
Growing Discontent with the Provisional Government:
The Provisional Government, formed after the February Revolution, failed to address key issues like war, land reforms, and economic hardship.
Role of Lenin and the Bolsheviks:
Lenin returned from exile and gained support by promising “Peace, Bread and Land.” He persuaded the Bolsheviks to plan an armed uprising.
Seizure of Petrograd (October 24–25, 1917):
The Red Guards (Bolshevik-led armed factory workers) took control of government buildings, telegraph offices, and bridges.
They surrounded the Winter Palace, where the Provisional Government was based.
Arrest of the Provisional Government:
The Red Guards stormed the Winter Palace and arrested its members. The Provisional Government collapsed without significant resistance.
Formation of a New Government:
The Bolsheviks formed a new Soviet government with Lenin as the leader. This marked the beginning of communist rule in Russia.

Q27. Explain the differences between the ideology of the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks.
Answer:
Approach to Revolution:
Mensheviks: Believed that Russia needed to pass through a capitalist phase before socialism.
Bolsheviks: Wanted an immediate socialist revolution, skipping the capitalist stage.
Membership Criteria:
Mensheviks: Supported open membership and a mass party structure.
Bolsheviks: Advocated for a disciplined, tightly-organized party of professional revolutionaries.
Tactics:
Mensheviks: Preferred democratic means, cooperation with liberals, and gradual reforms.
Bolsheviks: Supported armed revolution and seizure of power.
Leadership:
Mensheviks: Led by Julius Martov.
Bolsheviks: Led by Vladimir Lenin.
Thus, while both aimed at establishing socialism, the Bolsheviks were more radical and action-oriented.

Q28. Describe the effects of the Russian Revolution on the political and social structure of Russia.
Answer:
End of Monarchy:
The centuries-old Romanov dynasty ended. Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, and monarchy was permanently abolished.
Establishment of Socialist Government:
A new government led by the Bolsheviks was formed, promoting equality, social justice, and workers’ control.
Abolition of Private Property:
Land was redistributed among peasants. Private ownership of large industries, banks, and transport was abolished.
Empowerment of Workers and Peasants:
Soviets (councils of workers and peasants) were given political power. Factory management was handed over to workers’ committees.
Gender and Social Reforms:
Women were given equal rights. Marriage laws were reformed. Education and healthcare became free.
Centralized Planning and State Control:
The economy came under state planning, paving the way for the Five-Year Plans and collectivization in later years.

Q29. What was the impact of World War I on the Russian Revolution?
Answer:
Economic Breakdown:
Russia’s economy was already weak. WWI caused massive inflation, food shortages, and unemployment. Industries failed due to lack of raw materials.
Military Losses and Casualties:
Russia faced repeated defeats and lost millions of soldiers. This led to loss of confidence in the Tsar’s leadership.
Public Discontent:
The war strained transport and food supplies.
Soldiers were demoralized and under-equipped.
Civilians suffered from hunger, disease, and cold.
Political Instability:
Tsar’s decision to control the army personally worsened the situation.
The Duma was dissolved; opposition voices were suppressed.
Final Outcome:
These factors created conditions ripe for revolution. The February Revolution began during wartime, and the October Revolution followed months later, with the Bolsheviks promising to end the war.

Q30. Discuss how the ideas of Karl Marx influenced the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
Theory of Class Struggle:
Marx argued that history is shaped by class conflict between the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and the proletariat (workers). This inspired the Bolsheviks to represent workers.
Abolition of Private Property:
Marx believed in collective ownership of the means of production. The Russian Revolution aimed to abolish private property and transfer ownership to the people.
Dictatorship of the Proletariat:
Marx advocated for a temporary workers’ state to suppress capitalist resistance. Lenin adopted this idea to justify the Bolsheviks’ strong central control.
Establishment of a Classless Society:
Marx’s vision of a society without class divisions guided the Soviet goal of building a society based on equality and state planning.
Global Revolution:
Marx called for international revolution. After the Russian Revolution, the Comintern was formed to promote global communism.
Thus, Marx’s ideas were the ideological foundation of the Russian Revolution and the policies of the Soviet state.

ONE PAGE REVISION SHEET

Key Terms
Socialism: Ideology advocating collective ownership of property and equal society
Bolsheviks: Radical socialist group led by Lenin
Mensheviks: Moderate socialist group
Soviet: Council of workers, peasants, and soldiers
Duma: Elected consultative Parliament in Russia
Bloody Sunday: 1905 massacre of peaceful protestors by Tsar’s troops
War Communism: Strict economic control during civil war
NEP (New Economic Policy): Lenin’s partial relaxation of state control to revive the economy
USSR: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, formed in 1922

Major Events in Chronological Order
1905: Bloody Sunday → Tsar promises Duma
1914: Russia enters World War I
February 1917: Tsar abdicates → Provisional Government formed
October 1917: Bolshevik (October) Revolution → Lenin seizes power
1918–21: Civil war between Red Army and White Army
1921: NEP introduced
1922: Formation of the USSR

Key Slogans
“Peace, Bread, and Land” – Lenin
“All Power to the Soviets” – Bolshevik demand

Causes of Russian Revolution
Autocratic Tsarist rule
Poor condition of peasants and workers
Defeats and hardships in WWI
Influence of socialist ideas
Failure of Provisional Government

Important Leaders
Karl Marx: Father of Scientific Socialism
Vladimir Lenin: Leader of Bolshevik Party and October Revolution
Tsar Nicholas II: Last monarch of Russia

Impacts of the Revolution
End of monarchy in Russia
Establishment of first socialist state
Redistribution of land
Nationalization of industry
Inspired global socialist movements

Differences: February vs October Revolution
Feature February 1917 October 1917
Nature Spontaneous mass uprising Planned, armed uprising
Outcome Tsar abdicates, Duma formed Bolsheviks seize power
Leadership No single leader Lenin-led Bolsheviks
Government formed Provisional Government Socialist Government

Important Dates to Remember
9 Jan 1905 – Bloody Sunday
Feb 1917 – Tsar Abdicates
Oct 1917 – Bolsheviks seize power
1922 – USSR formed