Ch-2Final Assignment -1
Ch-2Final Assignment -1
Important Terms
6. What according to Socialism was the root of all evils in society? Ans.
Socialist regarded private property as the root of all evils in society.
7. What was the basic difference between the cooperatives advocated by Robert Owen and
Louis Blanc?
Ans. While Robert Owen favoured individual initiative in the setting up of cooperatives, Louis
Blanc favoured government intervention in setting up of cooperatives.
8. Name the international body formed to coordinate socialist efforts. Ans. The Second
International was the body formed in 1870, to coordinate socialist efforts throughout Europe.
10. Why were workers associations formed in France, Britain and Germany? Ans. Workers
associations were formed in France, Britain and Germany to fight for better living and working
conditions and to pressurize governments to grant the right to vote to workers.
12. How did the Socialists succeed in influencing legislation prior to 1914? Ans. Prior to
1914, the socialists were unable to form a government of their own, but were able to influence
legislation through their strong parliamentary representatives.
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13. Where and when was the first Socialist Government formed? Ans. The first Socialist
Government was formed in Russia after the 1917, October Revolution.
14. What is meant by the term Russian Revolution?
Ans. The Russian Revolution entails fall of monarchy (Tsar) in February 1917 and the events of
October 1917.
15. Name the Tsar in whose reign the Revolution broke out.
Ans. Nicholas II was the Tsar of Russia at the time of the Revolution.
16. In the early 20th century what was the main occupation of the Russian people? Ans. The
main occupation of the vast majority of Russians in the early 20th century was agriculture.
18. What was the basis on which workers were divided in Russia? Ans.
In Russia, workers were divided on the basis of skill.
21. What was the source of power and position of the nobles?
Ans. Services to the Tsar and not local popularity was the source of power and position of the
nobles.
22. How were the peasants in Russia different from other European peasants? Ans. Peasants
of Russia were different from other European peasants because they posted their land
periodically and the commune divided it according to the needs of individual families.
23. What was the source of inspiration for the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party
(RSDWP)?
Ans. The source of inspiration for the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party was Marx’s
ideas.
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24. How did the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party (RSDWP) enlist support? Ans.
The RSDWP enlisted support by setting up a newspaper, mobilising workers and organising
strikes.
26. Why is International Women’s Day celebrated on February 22nd? Ans. International
Women’s Day is celebrated on February 22nd, as a mark of honour, because on this day in Russia
many women led the way to strikes in factories.
27. Name the ship which played an important role in the assault of the Winter Palace. Ans.
The name of the ship which played an important role in the assault of the Winter Palace was
‘AURORA’.
30. Which two groups fought one another in the civil war that ensued after the October
Revolution?
Ans. The non-Bolsheviks, socialists, liberals and supporters of autocracy backed by foreign
troops, fought the Bolsheviks in the civil war that ensued after the October Revolution.
31. State the reason for loss of popular support for non-Bolsheviks. Ans. The harsh steps
taken by supporters of non-Bolsheviks, against peasants who had seized land was the cause for
loss of popular support for non-Bolsheviks.
7. Explain the views of different socialists and philosophers regarding the vision of the
future or to transform the society?
Ans. Socialist had different visions of the future:
i. Robert Owen, a leading English manufacturer and a socialist sought to build a
cooperative community called the New Harmony, in Indiana.
ii. Louis Blanc of France wanted the government to encourage cooperatives and
replace the capitalists.
iii. Karl Marx believed that to free themselves from capitalist exploitation, workers had to
construct radically socialist society, where all the property was socially controlled.
iv. Friedrich Engels was also against capitalism.
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8. What developments took place in Europe in support of socialism? Ans. The following
developments took place in Europe in support of socialism: i. An international body, called the
Second International was formed by socialists to coordinate the efforts of the workers.
Workers’ Associations were formed to fight for better living and working conditions.
ii. Funds were set up to help members in times of distress.
iii. Workers demanded a reduction in working hours and the right to vote. iv. In Germany,
these associations worked closely with the Social Democratic Party(SPD) and helped it win
parliamentary seats.
v. By 1905, socialists and trade unionists formed a Labour party in Britain and a Socialist
Party in France.
9. 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: i. The vast
majority of Russia’s people were agriculturists. About 85% of the Russian empire's population
earned their living from agriculture.
ii. Industry was found in pockets. Prominent industrial areas were St. Petersburg and
Moscow. Craftsman undertook much of the production, but large factories existed
alongside craft workshops.
iii. 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 quadruped.
iv. Workers were a divided social group. Some had strong links with the villages from
which they came. Others had settled in cities permanently.
v. Women made up 31% of the factory labour force by 1914, but they were paid less than
men (between half and three-quarters of a man's wage).
vi. In the countryside, peasants cultivated most of the land but the nobility, the crown and
the Orthodox Church owned large properties.
vii. Politically, Russia was an autocracy. Unlike other European countries, The Tsar was not
subject to a Parliament. All political parties were illegal in Russia. Liberals in Russia
campaigned to end this state of affairs.
10. How were the peasants of Russia different from the rest of Europe? Ans.
i. Russia's people were agriculturists. About 85% 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% and 50%.
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ii. 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. iii. 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.
12. How did Social democrats disagree with Socialist Revolutionaries? Ans. Social
Democrats disagreed with Socialist Revolutionaries in the following ways: i. Social Democrats
believed workers to be the main force of revolution whereas Socialist Revolutionary argued that
peasants would be the revolutionary class. ii. Social Democrats wanted benefits for the workers
and control on the factors of production. Socialist Revolutionaries on the other hand demanded
land to the peasants.
iii. Social Democrats felt that peasants were not a united group as they were rich and poor
and many owned large tracts of land. Socialist Revolutionaries favoured peasants as
natural socialists.
13. What was the difference between Bolshevik and the Menshevik group. Ans.
Bolsheviks
i. Vladimir Lenin was the leader of the party.
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ii. Lenin thought that in a repressive society like the Tsarist Russia the party should be
disciplined and should control the number and quality of its members. iii. They wanted to
transform Russian society through revolution.
Mensheviks
i. Alexander Kerensky was the leader of the party.
ii. This party was liberal and open to all.
iii. They wanted to transform the society through education and reforms among the
workers.
14. Describe the events that led to the 1905 Revolution of Russia. OR
Write a note on the Bloody Sunday incident.
Ans.
i. 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%.
ii. When four members of the Assembly of Russian workers were dismissed at the Putilov
Iron Works, the workers became agitated.
iii. 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.
iv. The workers were attacked by the police and the Cossacks. Over 100 workers were
killed and about 300 wounded. Since the incident took place on Sunday, it is known
as ‘Bloody Sunday’.
Consequences: Tsar under pressure from the masses was forced to announce his
manifesto which led to the formation of Duma.
15. Describe the steps taken by Tsar Nicholas II after the revolution to maintain his
authority.
Ans. The following steps were taken by Tsar Nicholas II after the Russian Revolution to
maintain his authority:
i. Under pressure he allowed the creation of an elected consultative Parliament or Duma.
ii. Most committees and unions were declared illegal. Severe restrictions were placed on
political activity.
iii. Later he dismissed the first Duma within 75 days and re- elected a second Duma within
3 months.
iv. The voting laws were changed.
v. The third Duma was packed with conservatives and tried to keep liberals and
revolutionaries out of the Duma.
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16. ’The First World War is considered one of the major factors responsible for the Russian
Revolution of 1917.’Justify by giving examples.
Ans.
i. Russia became a part of the First World War in 1914. In the beginning, the war was
popular. The Tsar refused to consult the main parties in the Duma. This led to
weakened support within Russia. Anti-German sentiments among the Russians were
on an increase St Petersburg, a German name was renamed as Petrograd.
ii. In the First World War Russia lost more than 7 million soldiers. So there was discontent
among the masses.
iii. The war led to the destruction of crops, homes and industries. So over 3 million people
became refugees.
iv. The war also had a severe impact on industry. Russia had few industries and that too
were cut off from suppliers of industrial goods by German control of the Baltic Sea.
Industrial equipment begins to disintegrate, railway lines begin to break down.
v. Able-bodied men were called up to the war that resulted in labour shortages and
shutdown of small workshops.
vi. Grains were sent to feed the army which led to food shortage in cities. Riots at bread
shops were common.
17. State the main events leading to the February revolution and how this Revolution was
able to bring down the monarchy in Russia.
OR
Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
Ans. The workers’ quarters and factories were located on the right Bank of the river Neva. On
the left Bank were the fashionable areas, the winter Palace and official buildings, including
the palace where the Duma met.
i. In the winter of 1917, Petrograd was grim. There was food shortage in the workers’
quarters.
ii. 22nd February: a lockout took place at a factory. Workers of 50 other factories joined in
sympathy. Women also led and participated in the strikes. This came to be called the
International Women’s Day. Demonstrating workers cross from the factory quarters to
the centre of the capital-Nevskii Prospekt.
iii. The government imposed a curfew as the quarters of the fashionable area and official
buildings were surrounded by workers.
iv. On the 24th and 25th, the government called out the cavalry and police to keep an eye on
them.
v. On 25th February, the government suspended the Duma and politicians spoke against this
measure. The people were out with force once again.
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vi. On 27th, the police headquarters were ransacked.
vii. Cavalry was called out again however it refused to fire on demonstrators. viii. An officer
was shot at the barracks of a regiment and other regiments mutinied, voting to join the
striking workers gathered to form a soviet or council. This was the Petrograd Soviet.
ix. A delegation went to meet the Tsar, military commanders advised him to abdicate. x.
The Tsar abdicated on 2nd March.
xi. A Provincial Government was formed by the Soviet and Duma leaders to run the
country.
xii. The people involved were the parliamentarians, workers, women workers, soldiers and
military commanders.
21. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the
October Revolution?
Ans.
i. Nationalisation of Industries: Industries and banks were nationalised by November
1917, Government took over ownership and management.
ii. No private property: The land was declared as a social property and peasants were
allowed to seize the land of the nobility.
iii. Partition of large houses: In the cities, Bolsheviks enforced the partition of large
houses according to family requirements.
iv. Titles banned: Old titles of the aristocracy were banned.
v. New uniforms: New uniforms were designed for the army and officials. vi. Party
renamed : Bolshevik Party was renamed as the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik)
vii. Peace: Immediately after coming to power, Lenin announced his decision to withdraw
from the First World War. He made peace with Germany at Brest Litovsk. Negative:
i. Russia became a one party state. Trade unions were kept under party control. The secret
police (called the Cheka first, and later OGPU and NKVD) punished those who
criticized the Bolsheviks.
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ii. The steps taken by Bolsheviks led to the Civil War which increased the suffering of
common people.
22. What conditions led to the Russian civil war in 1918- 1920?
OR
Discuss the civil war that took place in Russia after the October Revolution and its
consequences.
Ans.
i. 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.
ii. Opposition from Greens and Whites: Non-Bolshevik socialists, liberals and
supporters of autocracy condemned the Bolshevik uprising. Their leaders moved to
South Russia and organised Troops to fight the Bolsheviks (the reds). During 1918
and 1919, the greens (pro-Tsarists) controlled most of the Russian empire.
iii. 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.
iv. Use of Force: In many parts, Bolshevik of colonies brutally massacred local nationalists
in the name of defending socialism. In this situation, many were confused about what
the Bolshevik government represented.
Consequences:
i. The civil war created confusion about the Bolsheviks way of working. ii. It
made the Bolsheviks quite unpopular.
iii. Non-Russian nationalities were given political autonomy.
iv. Nomadism was harshly discouraged. The Bolsheviks failed to win over different
nationalities.
23. Mention the important steps taken by Lenin to improve the agriculture and economy of
Russia.
Ans. The following steps were taken by Lenin to improve agriculture and the economy of Russia.
i. Most of the industries and banks were nationalised.
ii. He ordered land redistribution and permitted peasants to cultivate the land. iii.
Centralised planning was introduced. Five year plans were made.
iv. The government fixed all prices during the first two year plans.
v. Communes were set up and income was divided according to the principles of the
cooperative Commission.
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24. What steps were taken to improve the condition of factory workers and peasants in
Russia after the Civil War?
Ans. The following steps were taken to improve the conditions of factory workers in Russia after
the Civil War:
i. Various Industries were set up like in Magnitogorsk city.
ii. Extended schooling system developed so that factory workers could also accept
universities.
iii. Creches were established in factories for the children of women workers. iv. Cheap Public
Health Care was provided. Model living quarters were built up for workers.
v. Lenin ordered land redistribution and permitted peasants to cultivate the land. vi.
Communes were set up and income was divided according to the problems of the
cooperative Commission.
26. Explain the global influence of the Russian Revolution and the USSR. Ans. The
following was the global influence of Russian Revolution and the USSR: i. In many
countries, communist parties were formed on the line of Russia. ii. It gave the world a
new economic system known as socialism.
iii. The Bolsheviks encouraged colonial peoples to follow their experiment. It inspired a
number of freedom movements in other countries.
iv. Many non-Russian from outside the USSR participated in the Conference of the Peoples
of the East and the Bolshevik founded the Comintern. Some even received education in
the USSR’s Communist University of the workers of the East.
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v. By the time the Second World War broke, socialism had acquired a global face. vi.
Though by the end of the 20th century, the image of the USSR as a socialist country
declined, yet its socialist ideas were respected and rethought in many ways suiting
individual interests.
The Duma
In 1905, the Tsar allowed the creation of an elected consultative Parliament or Duma. The Tsar
dismissed the first Duma within 75 days and re-elected the second Duma within three months.
The Tsar did not want anyone to question his authority or undermine and reduce his powers. The
Tsar changed the voting laws and packed the Third Duma with conservative politicians. Liberals
and revolutionaries were kept out.