Socialism in Europe and the

Russian Revolution
History Chapter-2
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q.1) In the context of Russia, which group was the supporter of women’s
Suffragette Ans. Radicals.
Q.2) Who was Karl Marx?
Ans. Karl Marx was a philosopher who favoured socialism. He believed that to
free themselves from capitalist exploitation, workers had to construct a
radically socialist society, where all the properties were socially controlled.
Q.3) By whom was ‘Das Capital’ written?
Ans. Karl Marx
Q.4) Name the term that refers to ‘women’s right to vote’.
Ans. Suffragette.
Q.5) Who were the ‘greens’ and ‘whites?
Ans. They were the group of people who were against the Bolshevik
Revolution. They started a civil war. They were supported by the French,
American, British and the Japanese troops as these countries were worried
about the growth of socialism in Russia.
Q.6) What was the basic idea of socialism?
Ans. Socialists were against private property, and saw it as the root of all
social ills of the time.
Q.7) What was the basic idea of a communist society?
Ans. All properties should be socially controlled.
Q.8) Who built the cooperative called ‘New Harmony’?
Ans. Robert Owen.
Q.9) Name the European nation where the first ever socialist government
was formed.
Answer:
Ans. Russia.
Q.10) What was the Russian Revolution?
Ans. The fall of monarchy in February 1917, and the events of October are
normally called the Russian Revolution.
Q.11) When was the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party founded, and
by whom?
Ans. In 1898, by the socialists, who respected Marx’s ideas.
Q.12) Who was ruling over Russia when the Russian Revolution took place?
Ans. Tsar Nicholas II.
Q.13) What was the Second International?
Ans. It was an Inter-national body which was formed to coordinate the ideas
of the socialists.
Q,14) “The year 1904 was particularly bad for the Russian workers” Give
reason.
Ans. In 1904 prices of essential goods rose very quickly and the real wages
declined by 20%.
Q.15) What was Duma?
Ans. It was an elected consultative Parliament of Russia.
Q.16) Name the term that refers to the meaning of the word ‘Soviet’.
Ans. A Revolutionary Organization.
Q.17) What was Bolsheviks?
Ans. It was a socialist party of Russia which was led by Lenin.
Q.18) What was Mensheviks?
Ans. It was a break-away group of Bolsheviks. It was also a socialist party like
that of Bolshevik.
Q.19) Define Kulaks.
Ans. The wealthy farmers of Russia.
Q.20) In the context of Russia what was ‘Kolkhoz’?
Ans. Kolkhoz were the collective farms, where all peasants were forced to
cultivate from 1929.
Q.21) Who started ‘Collectivization Program in Russia?
Ans. Stalin.
Q.22) Who headed the Communist Party of Russia after the death of Lenin?
Ans. Stalin.
Q.23) Which incident of the Russian history is known as ‘Bloody Sunday’?
Ans. It was an incident in which more than 100 workers were killed and about
300 wounded. These workers were attacked by the police in 1905 when they
reached the winter palace.
Q.24) What was Lenin’s ’April Theses’?
Ans. In 1917, Lenin declared that the war be brought to an end, land be
transferred to the peasants, and banks be nationalized. These three
demands were Lenin’s ‘April Theses’.
Q.25) What was the new name of St. Petersburg*?
Ans. Petrograd.
Q.26) Name a few countries that were part of central power during the First
World War?
Ans. Germany, Austria and Turkey.
Q. 27) Name the term which was used for elected Consultative Parliament in
Russia?
Ans. Duma.
Q.28) Where did the vast majority of Russian people worked at the beginning
of 20th Century ?
Ans. Agricultural sector.
Q.29) When did the First World War break out?
Ans.1914.
Q.30) Why is 22nd, February celebrated as the Inter-national Womens day?
Ans. Because on this day. women workers of Russia led a huge strike in the
factories.
Q.31) What were the Muslim reformers within the Russian Empire called?
Ans. Jadidists.
Q.32) To which place did industrialization bring men, women and children
together?
Ans. Factories.
Q.33) Name any two Indian nationalists who talked of the significance of the
French Revolution.

Ans. Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Derozio.

Q.34) Name a few countries which were included in Russian Empire in 1914.
Ans. Finland, Lithuania and Latvia.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q.1) Describe the views of radicals.
Ans. The views of radicals are as follows:

 The group who wanted to bring about immediate social change in

Russia was radicals.
 They wanted a government on the majority of country’s
population.
 They were against private properties.

Q.2) Who were liberals? What were their political and social views?
Or
Liberals were not democrats. Explain.
Ans. Liberals : One of the groups which looked to change society were the
liberals.
Political and Social Views of Liberals :

 Liberals wanted a nation which tolerated all religions.

  Liberals also opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers.
They wanted to safeguard the rights of individuals against
governments.
 They argued for a representative, elected parliamentary
government, subject to laws interpreted by a well-trained
judiciary that was independent of rulers and officials.

 However, they were not ‘democrats’. They did not believe in

universal adult franchise, that is, the right of every citizen to vote.
They felt men of property mainly should have the vote.
 They also did not want the vote for women.

Q.3) Distinguish between the ideas of liberals and the radicals.

Ans.

Liberals Radicals

(i) They argued for ,i representative, elected They also argued for a representative elected
parliamentary government, but did not believp parliamentary government, but believed in
in universal adult franchise. universal adult franchise.

(ii) They felt men of property should have the They felt all citizens should have the right to
right to vote. vote

(iii) They were in favour of giving privileges They opposed the privileges of the rich or
 to the rich or the men of property. the men of property.

Q. 4) Who ruled Russia in 1914? How did he manage his empire? Explain.
Ans. Tsar Nicholas II was ruling over Russia, during the revolution.

 He was an autocrat.
 Though he created ‘Duma’ after the Revolution, but never cared
for it.
 He was carrying the war against the wishes of the people.
 He worked under a monk called Rasputin.

Q.5) Explain the views of different socialists and philosophers regarding the
vision of the future or to transform the society.
Ans.

 Robert Owen, a leading English manufacturer and a socialist

sought to build a cooperative community called the New
Harmony, in Indiana (USA).
 Louis Blanc of France wanted the government to encourage
cooperatives and replace the capitalists.
 Karl Marx believed that to free themselves from capitalist
exploitation, workers had to construct a radically socialist society,
where all the properties were socially controlled.
 Friedrich Engels was also against capitalism.
Q.6) Explain any three reasons which led to civil war between the Bolsheviks
and the Russian army of non-Bolsheviks.
Or
What conditions led to the Russian Civil War in 1918 – 1920? Give any four
points.
Ans.

 Impact of Land Redistribution Policy on Soldiers: When the

Bolsheviks ordered land redistribution, the Russian army began to
break up. Soldiers, mostly peasants, wished to go home for the
redistribution and deserted.
 Opposition from Greens and Whites: Non-Bolshevik socialists,
liberals and supporters of autocracy condemned the Bolshevik
uprising. Their leaders moved to south Russia and organized
troops to fight the Bolsheviks (the reds).’ During 1918 and 1919,
the greens (Socialist Revolutionaries) and whites (pro-Tsarists)
controlled most of the Russian empire.
 Outside Forces: The Greens and Whites were backed by French,
American, British and Japanese troops. All these forces were
worried at the growth of socialism in Russia.
 Use of Force: In many parts, Bolshevik colonists brutally
massacred local nationalists in the name of defending socialism.
In this situation, many were confused about what the Bolshevik
government represented.

Q.7) ‘A communist society was the natural society of the future.’ Explain.
Or
Explain the views of Karl Marx on capitalism.
Or
Explain the thoughts and beliefs of Karl Marx which convinced the workers to
enter into conflict with the capitalists.
Ans.

 Marx was of the opinion that an industrial society was a ‘capitalist’

society.
 Capitalists earn profits because of workers.
 To increase his profits the capitalist uses two methods i.e., either
by reducing wages or increasing the working hours.
 Marx believed that to free themselves from the capitalists,
workers had to construct a radically socialist society where all the
properties were socially controlled.

Q.8) Explain the economic condition of the workers before the Russian
Revolution.
Ans.

 Most of the industries were the private property of the

industrialists. Most of the workers were working for about 10 to 12
hours a day.
 They were paid very low wages.
 The working conditions were also very poor.
 Women workers made up about 31% of the factory labour, but
they were paid less than men.

Q.9) Mention four features of socialism.

Ans.

 Socialists were against private property.

  Under socialism, the means of production are under the control of
the government.
 Socialists regarded the private property as the root cause of all
social evils.
 Socialism encourages cooperatives.

Q.10) Mention any four features of the Russian economy at the beginning of
the 20th century.
Or
Describe the economic condition of Russia before 1905.
Ans.

 The vast majority of Russia’s people were agriculturists. About 85

per cent of the Russian empire’s population earned their living
from agriculture.
 Industry was found in pockets. Prominent industrial areas were St.
Petersburg and Moscow. Craftsmen undertook much of the
production, but large factories existed alongside craft workshops.
 Many factories were set up in the 1890s, when Russia’s railway
network was extended, and foreign investment in industry
increased. Coal production doubled and iron and steel output
quadrupled.
 In the countryside, peasants cultivated most of the land. But the
nobility, the crown and the Orthodox Church owned large
properties.

Q.11) Explain any three views of the socialists about private property.
Ans.
Views of socialists about private property are :
  They were against private property.
 They saw it as the root of all social ills.
 Individuals who owned the property were concerned about
personal gain only.
 Those who make property productive are ignored by the owners
of the property, (any three)

Q.12) Mention any four features of the Russian society of the 20th century.
Ans.

 The vast majority of Russia’s people were agriculturists. About 85

per cent of the Russian empire’s population earned their living
from agriculture.
 Workers were a divided social group. Some had strong links with
the villages from which they came. Others had settled in cities
permanently.
 Women made up 31 per cent of the factory labour force by 1914,
but they were paid less than men (between half and three-
quarters of a man’s wage).
 In the countryside, peasants cultivated most of the land. But the
nobility, the crown and the Orthodox Church owned large
properties. Nobles got their power and position through their
services to the Tsar, not through local popularity.

Q.13) What were the differences between the Russian peasants and the
other peasants of Europe?
Or
How were the peasants of Russia different from rest of Europe?
Ans.
  Russia’s people were agriculturists. About 85 per cent of the
Russian empire’s population earned their living from agriculture.
This proportion was higher than in most European countries. For
instance, in France and Germany the proportion was between 40
per cent and 50 per cent.
 In Russia, peasants wanted the land of the nobles to be given to
them. They had no respect for them, whereas in other parts of
Europe, the nobles were respected.
 Russian farmers pooled their land together periodically, and their
commune divided it according to the needs of the individual
families. This never happened in other parts of Europe.

Q.14) What were the main demands of April Theses?

Or
Explain the Lenin’s ‘April Theses’.
Or
Describe the three major demands of Bolshevik during 1917.
Ans.
Main demands of April Theses were :

 Lenin returned to Russia from exile and felt that it was time for
Soviets to take over power. He declared that war be brought to an
end, land be transferred to the peasants and banks nationalized.
He also argued to rename Bolshevik Party as Communist Party.
 Started planning on uprising against government with the support
of army.
 Military Revolutionary Committee was planned to seize the power
and bring the city under control.
Q.15) Why did ‘the Kerenskii Government’ in Russia fall?
Or
Why did the Kerenskii Government become unpopular in Russia? .
Ans.

 Lenin: In April 1917, the Bolshevik leader Lenin returned to Russia

from his exile. He put forward the ‘April Theses’ due to which he
got full support from the Russian workers. Bolsheviks supporters
in the army, factories and peasants were brought together under
one umbrella under his leadership.
 Trade Unions and Other Organisations: After the February
revolution, workers were free to form associations and unions. So
trade unions grew in number.
 Conflict between Bolsheviks and the Government: Regular
conflicts between Bolsheviks and the government weakened the
government. Bolsheviks were supported by Soviet army and
factory workers.
 Non-fulfilment of Demands: The Provisional Government failed to
meet any of the demands of the workers and the common people.

Q.16) Describe the events that led to 1905 Revolution of Russia.

Or
Write A note on the Bloody Sunday incident.
Or
Which incident came to be known as Bloody Sunday? What were its
consequences?
Ans.
  The year 1904 was a particularly bad one for Russian workers.
Prices of essential goods rose so quickly that the real wages
declined by 20%.
 When four members of the Assembly of Russian workers were
dismissed, the workers became agitated.
 In January 1905, a large number of peaceful workers led by Father
Gapon reached the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to present a
petition to the Tsar.
 The workers were attacked by the police. Over 100 workers were
killed, and about 300 wounded. Since the incident took place on
Sunday, it is known as the ‘Bloody Sunday
Consequences: Tsar under pressure from the masses was forced
to announce his manifesto which led to the formation of Duma.

Q.17) Explain the major events that were responsible for the Russian
Revolution of 1905.
Or
Why were there revolutionary disturbances iii Russia in 1905?
What were the demands of the revolutionaries?
Ans.

 Autocratic Rule: Russia was under the autocratic rule of the Tsars.
The Tsar Nicholas II was an inefficient and corrupt ruler.
 Role of Liberals and Socialists: Both Liberals and Socialists were
against the dynastic rule. They worked with peasants and workers
to demand a constitution. They were being supported by Jadidists.
 Strike of the Workers: The year 1904 was a bad year for the
Russian workers. Prices of essential goods rose so quickly that
real wages declined by 20%. So there was a strike by the workers.
They
 demanded reduction in working hours, an increase in wages and
improvement in the working conditions.
 Bloody Sunday: The incident of Bloody Sunday in which more
than 100 workers were killed became the turning point. It led to
an all Russia strike. Lawyers, doctors, engineers and others
demanded constituent assembly.

Q.18) What is meant by ‘October revolution’?

Ans.

 It was the revolution which occurred in October 1917. It was led

by Petrograd Soviet and the Bolshevik Party under the leadership
of Lenin.
 A military Revolutionary Committee was appointed by the Soviet
under Leon Trotskii to organise the seizure.
 The uprising began on 24th October. Though Prime Minister
Kerenskii resisted but the seizure was complete within a day.
 The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party
(Bolshevik).
 In November 1917, the Bolsheviks conducted the elections to the
Constituent Assembly, but they failed to gain majority support. In
January 1918, the assembly rejected Bolshevik measures and
Lenin dismissed the assembly.
 In the years that followed, Bolsheviks took full control over the
government and Russia became one party state.

Q.19) Explain any three major effects of the Russian Revolution of October
1917 on Russian economy.
Ans.
  No Private Property: Private property in the means of production
was abolished. Land and other means of production were declared
the property of the entire nation. Labor was made compulsory for
all and economic exploitation by capitalists and landlords came to
an end.
 Nationalisation of Industries: The control of industries was given
to the workers. All the banks, insurance companies, large
industries, mines, water transports and railways were
nationalized.
 Centralized Planning: A process cf 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.

Q. 20) How did Russia’s participation in the World War-I become a cause for
the fall of Tsar? Explain.
Or
Explain any four reasons why Russian people wanted the Tsar to withdraw
from the First World War.
Ans.

 Loss of Soldiers: In the First World War, Russia lost more than 7
million soldiers. So there was a discontent among the masses.
 Destruction of Crops: The war led to the destruction of crops,
homes and industries. So over 3 million people became refugees.
 Impact on Industries: Russian industry was dependent on other
countries, and was cut off from other suppliers of industrial goods.
 Shortage of Workers: There was shortage of workers as most of
the workers were sent to the army.
Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Q.1) What were the main objectives of Liberals in Russia?
Ans.
The mam objectives of Liberals were as follows:

 They expected a nation which tolerated all the religions.

 They opposed the uncontrolled powers of dynastic rules.
 They wanted to safeguard the right to individual against
government.
 They did not believe in universal adult franchise as they were not
democrats.
 Liberals argued for a representative elected by the government.
They were subjected to laws interrupted by a well-trained
judiciary that was independent of rulers and officials.
 In the parts of Europe, where independent nation states did not
yet exist. For example, Germany, Italy, Poland-men and women
combined their demands for constitutionalism with national
unification.
 They took advantage of the growing unrest and to push their
demands for a unrest and to push their demands for a creation of
a constitution with freedom of press and freedom of association.

 They took advantage of the growing unrest and to push their

demands for a creation of a constitution with freedom of press
and freedom of association.

Question 2.
Explain any five differences between the peasants of Russia and peasants of
Europe.
Answer:

Peasants of Europe Peasants of Russia

They had no proper unions

(i) They formed unions and fought for
and associations initially. It
better wages and good living conditions.
came up much later.

(ii) The workers were united in their The workers were not united.
demands for political rights and reduction They were divided on the
in work hours. basis of occupation.

(iii) The workers’ associations had close

The workers’ associations
ties with the political parties and
were considered as illegal
themselves formed political parties. For
and were suppressed.
example, the labour Party in Britain.

But in Russia, the peasants

(iv) In France, during the French Revolution
had no regards for the
in Brittany peasants had the respect for
nobility and often revolted
nobles and fought for them.
against them.
 (v) The peasants in Europe had political The peasants did not enjoy
rights and enjoyed them. any political rights.

Q.- 3)
How far the economic and social conditions of Russia were responsible for
the Russian Revolution? Explain by giving examples.
Or
Describe the circumstances which were responsible for the Russian
Revolution.
Ans.

(i) Agrarian Economy and Poor Condition of the Peasants: At the beginning of
the 20th century, more than 85% of Russian population earned their living
from agriculture. Most of the land was owned by rich people. Most of the
peasants worked from dawn to dusk
with very low wages or share. Most of the peasants were against the rich and
the nobles.

(ii) Poor Condition of Workers: Most of the industries were controlled by the
private individuals. In craft units, and small workshops, the working day was
sometimes 15 hours. Most of the workers were working and living in poor
conditions. Most of the workers were ill-paid.

(iii) Unemployment: Unemployment rate was very high. The rich industrialists
were exploiting the workers.
(iv) High Prices : Prices of essential goods rose so quickly that real wages
declined by 20%.
(v) Condition of Women: Most of the women were working in small factories.
Women made up about 31% of the factory labour force. They were paid less
wages, and were forced to work for long hours. When they launched an
agitation, they were fired at by the police.

Q. 4) Explain the views of the Socialists on private property with special

emphasis on Karl Marx.
Ans.

 Marx argued that industrial society was capitalist. Capitalists

owned the capital invested in factories, and the profit of
capitalists was produced by workers.
 The conditions of workers could not improve as long as this profit
was accumulated by private capitalists.
 Workers had to overthrow capitalism and the rule of private
property.
 Marx believed that to free themselves from capitalist exploitation,
workers had to construct a radically socialist controlled. This
would be a communist society. He was convinced that workers
would triumph in their conflict with capitalists. A communist
society was the natural society of the future.

Q.5) What social changes were seen in the society after industrialisation?
Or
How did industrialization change the lives of people in Europe? Explain.
Ans.

 Working Class: Industrialisation brought men, women and children

to factories. Work hours were often long and wages were poor.
  Problem of Unemployment and Poverty: Problem of
unemployment and poverty was rare in the countryside but this
became a common phenomenon with industrialisation.
Unemployment was common, particularly during times of low
demand for industrial goods.
 Problem of Housing and Sanitation: Large-scale migration to cities
lead to housing and sanitation problem.
 Trade Unions: Workers in England and Germany began forming
associations to fight for better living and working conditions. They
set up funds to help members in times of distress and demanded
a reduction of working hours and the right to vote. In Germany,
these associations worked closely with the Social Democratic
Party (SPD) and helped it win parliamentary seats. By 1905,
socialists and trade unionists formed a Labour Party in Britain and
a Socialist Party in France.
 Socialism: Trade unions and worker’s union lead to idea of
socialism. The development of the idea of socialism changed the
political scenario. These trade unions stared demanding share in
political power.

Q. 6) Explain the collectivisation policy of Stalin.

Or
What were the major changes Introduced in agriculture by Stalin? Explain.
Ans.

 The collectivisation policy was introduced by Stalin who came to

power after the death of Lenin.
 The main reason was the shortage of grain supplies.
 It was argued that grain shortage was partly due to the small size
of the holding.
  After 1917, the land had been given over to peasants. These
small-sized peasant farms could not be modernised. To develop
modern farms, and run them along industrial lines with
machinery, it was necessary to eliminate ‘kulaks’, take away land
from peasants, and establish state-controlled large farms.
 From 1929, the government forced all peasants to cultivate in
collective farms (kolkhoz). The bulk of land and implements were
transferred to the ownership of collective farms. Peasants worked
on the land, and the kolkhoz profit was shared.
 Enraged peasants resisted the authorities, and destroyed their
livestock. Between 1929 and 1931, the number of cattle fell by
one-third. Those who resisted collectivisation were severely
punished. Many were deported and exiled.
 As they resisted collectivisation, peasants argued that they were
not rich, and were not against socialism. They did not want to
work in collective farms for a variety of reasons.Z
 Stalin’s government allowed some independent cultivation, but
treated such cultivators unsympathetically.
 In spite of collectivisation, production did not increase
immediately. In fact, the bad harvest of 1930-1933 led to one of
the most devastating famines in Soviet history when over 4
million died.

Q. 7) Highlight any five changes brought by Lenin in Russia after October

Revolution of 1917. HOTS
Ans.
Role of Lenin in post 1917 Russian Revolution :

 A conflict between the provisional government and the Bolshevik

grew in September, 1917. Lenin started planning an uprising
 against the government and began to organize his supporters
from any secrets and factories.
 A military revolutionary committee under Lenin Trotski planned to
seize power.
 Uprising began on 4th October, 1917. The Prime Minister
Karenski, with government troops tried to subdue the Bolshevik
but failed.
 Under the guidance of Lenin, the military Revolutionary
committee responded quickly and by nightfall the city was under
the committee’s control.
 At a meeting all Russian Congress of Soviet in Petrograd, the
majority approved the Bolshevik action. Russian Revolution
brought Russia under communist control.

Q.-8) Who was Lenin? What was his contribution in the Russian Revolution?
Ans.
Lenin was a socialist leader who was against the autocratic rule of Tsar. His
contributions in the Russian Revolution were :
(i) April Theses: He put forward three demands i.e., the war be brought to an
end, land be transferred to the peasants, and banks be nationalised; These
three demands were Lenin’s April Theses. He also argued that the Bolshevik
Party rename itself the Communist Party to indicate its new radical aims.

(ii) Provisional Government and Lenin: The Provisional Government which

was established after the February Revolution of 1917 was controlled by
landlords, industrialists and army officials. So Lenin was against the
Provisional Government. He brought together different Soviets and prepared
them for the Revolution.

(iii) Overthrow of the Provisional Government: It was under the leadership of

Lenin that the Provisional Government was overthrown by the Soviets. On
16th October 1917. Lenin persuaded the Petrograd Soviet and the Bolshevik
Party to agree to a socialist seizure of power. A Military Revolutionary
Committee was appointed by the Soviets to organise the seizure.

(iv) Communist State: Lenin laid the foundation of Communist State. After
the October Revolution the Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian
Communist Party.

Question 9.
Explain the Russian February Revolution 1917.
Or
Petrograd had led the February Revolution that brought down the monarchy
in February 1917. Explain.
Answer:
(i) Grim Condition in the Petrograd: In the winter of 1917, conditions in the
capital, Petrograd, were grim. In February 1917, food shortages were deeply
felt in the workers’ quarters. The winter was very cold. There had been
exceptional frost and heavy snow.

(ii) Women Lead the Strike: On 22 February, a lockout took place at a

factory. The next day, workers in fifty factories called a strike in sympathy. In
many factories, women led the way to strikes. This came to be called the
International Women’s Day.

(iii) Violent Incidents: In the next few days the workers tried to persue the
government to fulfill their demand but government called out the cavalry.
The streets thronged with people raising slogans about bread, wages, better
hours and democracy. However, the cavalry refused to fire on- the
demonstrators. An officer was shot at the barracks of a regiment and three
other regiments mutinied, voting to join the striking workers.
(iv) Formation of Soviet: By that evening, soldiers and striking workers had
gathered to form a soviet or council in the same building as the Duma met.
This was the Petrograd Soviet.

(v) Formation of Provisional Government: The very next day, a delegation

went to see the Tsar. Military commanders advised him to abdicate. He
followed their advice and abdicated on 2 March. Soviet leaders and Duma
leaders formed a Provisional Government to run the country. Russia’s future
would be decided by a constituent assembly, elected on the basis of
universal adult suffrage.

Q-10) Describe the importance of Battle of Stalingard in the Second World

War.
Ans.
Importance of Battle of Stalingard in the Second World War :

 The battle of Stalingard was fought between Russia and Germany

on Russian territory.
 This battle is considered important because it marked the defeat
of Germany and Hitler along with Nazi party.
 Hitler had signed a non-aggression treaty with Russia in August
1939 A.D. Since he did not have faith in Russia he considered
Russia as a vital threat to Nazi Germany.
 Hitler also had imperial designs on the fertile Ukraine Basin and
its mines.
 He also wanted to Europeanize the area of the Asian Steppe.
 Due to the above mentioned reasons, Hitler violated the Pact of
1939 and attacked Russia from three sides.
 This led to a battle in Stalingard near Moscow.
  The Germany failed to capture Stalingard due to lack of
preparation of German soldiers against heavy rains and frosts in
the month of October.
 This led to failure of Hitler’s campaign.
 In all, Hitler exposed the German. Western front to British aerial
bonding. Eastern front was exposed to powerful Soviet Army. In
this battle, Germany suffered a lot and Soviet hegemony was
established over entire Eastern Europe

 Problem of Unemployment and Poverty: Problem of

unemployment and poverty was rare in the countryside but this
became a common phenomenon with industrialisation.
Unemployment was common, particularly during times of low
demand for industrial goods.
 Problem of Housing and Sanitation: Large-scale migration to cities
lead to housing and sanitation problem.
 Trade Unions: Workers in England and Germany began forming
associations to fight for better living and working conditions. They
set up funds to help members in times of distress and demanded
a reduction of working hours and the right to vote. In Germany,
these associations worked closely with the Social Democratic
Party (SPD) and helped it win parliamentary seats. By 1905,
socialists and trade unionists formed a Labour Party in Britain and
a Socialist Party in France.
 Socialism: Trade unions and worker’s union lead to idea of
socialism. The development of the idea of socialism changed the
political scenario. These trade unions stared demanding share in
political power.

Q.11) Explain the Russian February Revolution 1917.

Or
Petrograd had led the February Revolution that brought down the monarchy
in February 1917. Explain.
Ans.
(i) Grim Condition in the Petrograd: In the winter of 1917, conditions in the
capital, Petrograd, were grim. In February 1917, food shortages were deeply
felt in the workers’ quarters. The winter was very cold. There had been
exceptional frost and heavy snow.

(ii) Women Lead the Strike: On 22 February, a lockout took place at a

factory. The next day, workers in fifty factories called a strike in sympathy. In
many factories, women led the way to strikes. This came to be called the
International Women’s Day.

(iii) Violent Incidents: In the next few days the workers tried to persue the
government to fulfill their demand but government called out the cavalry.
The streets thronged with people raising slogans about bread, wages, better
hours and democracy. However, the cavalry refused to fire on- the
demonstrators. An officer was shot at the barracks of a regiment and three
other regiments mutinied, voting to join the striking workers.

(iv) Formation of Soviet: By that evening, soldiers and striking workers had
gathered to form a soviet or council in the same building as the Duma met.
This was the Petrograd Soviet.

(v) Formation of Provisional Government: The very next day, a delegation

went to see the Tsar. Military commanders advised him to abdicate. He
followed their advice and abdicated on 2 March. Soviet leaders and Duma
leaders formed a Provisional Government to run the country. Russia’s future
would be decided by a constituent assembly, elected on the basis of
universal adult suffrage.

Q. 12) Differentiate between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks.

Ans.

Bolsheviks Mensheviks
1 Bolshevik meant a member of the 1 Menshevik meant a member of
 majority under the leadership of the minority under the leadership
V. Lenin of Alexander Kerenski
2 They believed in a highly 2 They believed in a more
centralized party of professional democratic party structure that
revolutionaries. allowed disagreements.
3 Bolsheviks were not willing to 3 They were willing to work with
work with middle class for their middle class for their
revolutionary aims. revolutionary ends.
4 Bolshevik drew less public 4 Mensheviks drew more public
attention than Mensheviks. support because of their inclusive
ideas.
5 They scorned other ideologies. 5 Menshevik were inclusive in their
approach to other political
parties.
6 They believed that Russia could 6 They believed in going ahead
directly go from an absolute step by step to make the country
monarchy to a communist communist.
society.

7 Bolshevik believed that party 7 Menshevik group was open to all

should be disciplined and control they wanted to bring changes
the number and quality of its through democratic means.
members.

Q. 13) Explain the Global influence of the Russian Revolution and the USSR.

OR

Explain the impact of the Russian Revolution on the world.

Ans. The following was the global influence of Russian Revolution-

a) In many countries, communist parties were formed on the line of Russia.

b) It gave the world a new economic system known as socialism.

C) The Bolsheviks encouraged colonial people to follow their experiment. It

inspired a number of freedom movements in other countries.

d) Many non-Russians from outside the USSR participated in the conference

of the people of the east and the Bolshevik-founded comintern. Some even
received education in the USSR’s Communist University of the Workers of the
east.

e) By the time the Second World War broke, socialism had acquired a global
face.

f) Though by the end of the twentieth century, the image of USSR as a

socialist country declined, yet it’s socialist ideals were respected and
rethought in many ways suiting individual interests.