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NCERT Class 9 Social Science Chapter 2 Socialism In Europe And The Russian Revolution
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Socialism In Europe And The Russian Revolution
Chapter: 2
INDIA AND THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD – I (HISTORY)
NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q. 1. What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Ans. (i) Social condition: The society was divided into two classes-the privileged and the non-privileged. The privileged class comprised of prosperous and influential people who held almost all the important offices of the state and most of the land was also under their control.
(ii) Economic condition: As there was not ample capital in the country, more than half of the capital investment was made by the foreign investors who were interested only in making huge and quick profits without having any concern for the miserable conditions of the workers.
The Russian capitalists too, proved to be a source of exploitation of the workers. Whether factories have good working conditions or not, craft units and small workshops also sometimes had 15 hours of working day.
(iii) Political condition: The Russian polity was basically still feudal in nature. Vast tracts of land were held tax free by the clergy and the nobility who also monopolized the high posts in the army and administration.
The new middle class which was slowly emerging in Russia began to make strident demands for some sort of representative government to be formed where access to high posts would be given on the basis of birth. Administration was also riddled with corruption and was inefficient.
Q. 2. In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe before 1917?
Ans. (i) Most industry was the private property of industrialists. Government supervised large factories to ensure minimum wages and limited hours of work. But factory inspectors could not prevent rules being broken. In craft units and small workshops, the working day was sometimes of 15 hours, compared with 10 or 12 hours in factories. Accommodation varied from rooms to dormitories.
(ii) Workers were a divided social group. Women made up 31 per cent of the factory labour force by 1914, but they were paid less than men. Divisions among workers showed themselves in dress and manners too.
(iii) Despite divisions, workers did unite to strike work when they disagreed with employers about dismissals or work conditions. These strikes took place frequently in the textile mills.
Q. 3. Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
Ans. (i) The revolutionary movement in Russia had been growing when the 1905 Revolution broke out. On 9th January, 1905, a mass of peaceful workers with their wives and children was fired at in St. Petersburg while on its way to the Winter Palace to present a petition to the Tsar. The news of the killings provoked unprecedented disturbances throughout Russia and proved to be a dress rehearsal of the revolution that came in 1917.
(ii) The Tsar took Russia into the First World War. This proved fatal and brought about the final breakdown of the Russian autocracy. By February 1917, 6,00,000 soldiers had been killed in the war. There was widespread discontent throughout the empire as well as in the army. The condition was ripe for a revolution.
(iii) On 12th March, 1917, the capital city of St. Petersburg fell into the hands of the revolutionaries. Soon the revolutionaries controlled Moscow. The Tsar gave up his throne and the first Provisional Government was formed on 15th March, 1917.
Q. 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 the impact of each was on Soviet history.
Ans. (a) List of the February Revolution- Events and Effects:
(i) In February 1917, food shortages were deeply felt in the workers’ quarters.
(ii) Parliamentarians wishing to present elected government opposed to the Tsar’s desire to dissolve the Duma.
(iii) On 22nd February, a lock out took place at a factory on the right bank of River Neva.
(iv) On 23rd February, 1917, workers in fifty factories called a strike in sympathy of the factory workers of the River Neva.
(v) In many factories women led the way to strikes. This came to be called the International Women’s Day.
B. Events and Effects of Revolution of October 1917:
(i) As the conflict between the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks grew, Lenin feared the Provisional Government would set-up a dictatorship.
(ii) In September 1917, Lenin started discussions for an uprising against the government. Bolshevik supporters in the army, Soviets and factories were brought together.
(iii) 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 Soviet under Leon Trotskii to organize the seizure. The date of the event was kept a secret.
(iv) The uprising began on 24th October. Sensing trouble, Prime Minister Kerenskii had left the city to summon troops which later seize government offices and arrest ministers.
(v) In the years that followed, the Bolsheviks became the only party to participate in the elections to the All Russian Congress of Soviets, which became the Parliament of the country.
In this, we can say that Russia became a one-party state.
Q. 5. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
Ans. The main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution were:
(a) The Congress of Soviets on 8th November 1917 issued a proclamation to all peoples and belligerent states to open negotiations for a just peace without annexation and indemnities. Russia withdrew from the war, though formal peace was signed with Germany later, after ceding the territories that Germany demanded as a price for peace.
(b) Following the decree on land, the estates of the landlords, the church and the Tsar were confiscated and transferred to peasants societies to be allotted to peasant families to be cultivated without hired labour.
(c) A Declaration of the Rights of Peoples was issued conferring the right of self-determination upon all nationalities.
(d) A new government called the Council of People’s Commissioners, headed by Lenin was formed.
Q. 6. Write a few lines to show what you know about:
(i) Kulaks.
Ans. Kulaks: It was a name for well to do farmers of Russia. During the period of Stalin to develop modern farms, and run them along industrial lines with machinery, it was considered necessary to eliminate ‘Kulaks’.
(ii) The Duma.
Ans. The Duma: It was an elected consultative Parliament, which creation was allowed by the Tsar during the 1905 Revolution in Russia.
(iii) Women workers between 1900 and 1930.
Ans. (a) Due to industrialisation, women began to work in factories. On 22nd February 1917, many women became the leaders in organizing strikes in factories.
(b) This day came to be called as the International Women’s Day.
(c) They joined trade unions and political organizations. They helped the male workers in both revolutions-The February and October Revolution.
(d) After introduction of the new constitution in USSR the women workers were given equal political, social and economic rights.
(iv) The Liberals.
Ans. The Liberals:
(a) They wanted to change society and wanted a nation which was secular in nature. They also wanted to safeguard the rights of individuals against government.
(b) They believed in an elected parliamentary government but did not believe in Universal Adult Franchise. They believed only men of property should be given the right to vote.
(c) Women, according to them, should not be given the right to vote.
SOME OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Which of these statement 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 shift, while others wanted complete change of society.
(d) All the above.
Ans. (d) All the above.
Q. 2. 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).
Ans. (d) Both (b) and (c).
Q. 3. Which of the following factors made autocracy unpopular in Russia?
(a) The German origin of the Tsarina Alexandra.
(b) Poor advisors like the Monk Rasputin.
(c) The huge cost of fighting in the World War I.
(d) Both (a) and (b).
Ans. (d) Both (a) and (b).
Q. 4. Which of the following statements is incorrect about the Socialists till 1914?
(a) They helped various associations to win seats in the parliaments in Europe.
(b) Socialists, supported by strong figures in parliamentary politics, shaped and influenced legislation.
(c) They succeeded in forming a government in Europe.
(d) Governments continued to be run by conservatives, liberals and radicals.
Ans. (b) Socialists, supported by strong figures in parliamentary politics, shaped and influenced legislation.
Q. 5. 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.
Ans. (d) All the above.
Q. 6. Which of the following statements is not correct about the ‘radicals’?
(a) They supported women’s right to vote.
(b) They opposed the privileges of great landowners.
(c) They were completely against the existence of private property.
(d) They wanted a government based on the majority of a country’s population.
Ans. (c) They were completely against the existence of private property.
Q. 7. 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 his authority.
(c) The term of first Duma was of 75 days only.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (b) Because the Tsar did not want anyone to his authority.
Q. 8. What was the position of Russia’s army in Germany and Austria between 1914 and 1916?
(a) Russian army brought a lot of destruction in Germany and Austria.
(b) It killed a large member of people and was victorious.
(c) Russian army lost badly.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (c) Russian army lost badly.
Q. 9. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) By 1916, railway lines in Russia began to break down.
(b) There were labour shortages and small workshops producing essentials were shut down.
(c) Large supplies of grain were sent to feed the army.
(d) All the above.
Ans. (d) All the above.
Q. 10. 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).
Ans. (d) Both (a) and (c).
Q. 11. Which of these demands is/are referred to as Lenin’s ‘April Theses’?
(a) World War I should be brought to an end.
(b) Land should be transferred to the peasants.
(c) Banks should be nationalized.
(d) All the above.
Ans. (d) All the above.
Q. 12. Why was 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.
Ans. (b) They thought that time was not ripe for a socialist revolution.
Q. 13. 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.
Ans. (a) October Revolution in 1917.
Q. 14. In the Russian Civil War the Bolsheviks and the socialist revolutionaries were represented by which of the following colours?
(a) Whites and Reds.
(b) Greens and Whites.
(c) Reds and Greens.
(d) None of these.
Ans. (c) Reds and Greens.
Q. 15. 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.
Ans. (d) All the above.
Q. 16. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Not everyone in Europe, however, wanted a complete transformation of society.
Reason (R): Responses varied from those who accepted that some change was necessary but wished for a gradual shift, to those who wanted to restructure society radically.
Options:
(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are wrong.
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Ans. (d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Q. 17. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Conservatives also opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers.
Reason (R): They argued for a representative, elected parliamentary government, subject to laws interpreted by a well-trained judiciary that was independent of rulers and officials.
Options:
(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are wrong.
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Ans. (b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
Q. 18. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Radicals opposed the privileges of great landowners and wealthy factory owners.
Reason (R): By the nineteenth century, the liberals accepted that some change was inevitable but believed that the past had to be respected.
Options:
(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct .
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Ans. (d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Fill in the Blanks:
(i) _________ opposed the unrestricted power of the monarch.
Ans. Liberals.
(ii) The followers of Karl Marx founded the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party in __________.
Ans. 1898.
(iii) The __________ are associations of workers.
Ans. co-operatives.
(iv) The word ‘Soviet’ means an _________ organization of Russia.
Ans. autonomous.
(v) __________ was the originator of the ideas of communism.
Ans. Karl Marx.
True and False:
(i) Bolsheviks were the majority group of workers of Russia.
Ans. True.
(ii) The Mensheviks were the minority group of Russian Democratic Labour Party.
Ans. True.
(iii) On 9th January, 1910 a mass of peaceful workers with their wives and children was fired at St. Petersburg.
Ans. False.
(iv) Russian workers had to labour at least 10 to 13 hours.
Ans. False.
(v) The Russian Revolution influenced many Indian leaders.
Ans. True.
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. What are co-operatives?
Ans. The co-operatives are associations of workers. They produce goods together and divide the profits among themselves. But, their share depended on the amount of work they do as their members.
Q. 2. Explain the term ‘conservative’.
Ans. Conservatives are people who have respect for the tradition. They do believe in changes. But their change is the gradual change of the society.
Q. 3. In the context of Russia who launched the slogan-‘Peace, Land and Bread”?
Ans. In the context of Russia, Vladimir Lenin launched the slogan, “Peace, Land and Bread”.
Q. 4. What does the word ‘Soviet’ mean?
Ans. The word ‘Soviet’ means as autonomous organization of Russia.
Q. 5. How are the liberals similar to the radicals?
Ans. The liberals and the radicals give preference to the individual effort, labour and enterprise. Besides, they liked the privileges based on merit.
Q. 6. What is ‘Bloody Sunday’ in the context of Russia?
Ans. A mass of peaceful workers led by Father Gapon was fired upon by the Russian troops. They were going to the Winter Palace to submit a petition to the Tsar. During firing heavy casualties ensued. This incident which occurred on Sunday, January 22nd, 1905 is known as ‘Bloody Sunday’ in the history of Russia.
Q. 7. What do you know about the Council of People’s Commission?
Ans. The Council of People’s Commission in Russia was the Council of Representatives of people. The power was transferred to them after the Russian Revolution. This council was headed by Vladimir Lenin.
Q. 8. Explain ‘Divine Right Theory’.
Ans. According to the ‘Divine Right Theory’, the king was the representative of God on earth. There is one on the earth, who has power to defy the king. The Russian Tsars held this theory and tried to perpetuate this autocratic rule in Russia.
Q. 9. What was Serfdom? Write your answer in the context of Russia.
Ans. In Russia, Serfdom was a type of feudalism. Under this system, peasants had to work for the landlord. In exchange, they received food and shelter, but no wages were paid.
Q. 10. Write a short note on the ‘Mensheviks.
Ans. The Mensheviks were the minority group of Russian Democratic Labour Party. They favoured a type of government which was popular in the countries like France and Germany.
Q. 11. What was the result of Russian Revolution of 1917?
Ans. The Russian Revolution of 1917 is the event which occurred in November, 1917. As a result of this Revolution, control was transferred to the Russian Congress of Soviets. Besides, Kerensky’s government was overthrown.
Q. 12. Hint the two features of socialism.
Ans. The two features of socialism are:
(i) There was no arrangement for private property.
(ii) The means of production are owned by the government.
Q. 13. Who ruled Russia when the World War-I broke out?
Ans. Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia when the World War-I broke.
Q. 14. What do you know about Karl Marx?
Ans. Karl Marx was born in 1818 and died in 1883. He was a famous German philosopher and economist. Besides, he was the originator of the ideas of communism.
Q. 15. What do you know about the Second International?
Ans. The Second International was an international body, established in 1870. The purpose of this body was to coordinate the efforts and ideas of social philosophers spread all over Europe.
Q. 16. Who was the leader of Bolshevik Party?
Ans. Vladimir Lenin was the leader of Bolshevik Party.
Q. 17. What do you know about the term ‘Duma”?
Ans. The term ‘Duma’ was used to denote the elected consultative parliament in Russia.
Q. 18. Who wanted the Russian society be tolerant to all religions?
Ans. The liberals were lenient to religions. Therefore, they were such group of people, who desired the Russians be tolerant to all religions.
Q. 19. Who were represented by the ‘Whites’ and the ‘Greens’ in the Russian society?
Ans. The Whites supported the Tsar regime in Russia. Hence, they represented the pro-Tsarists in the Russian society. On the other hand, the ‘Greens’ desired to overthrow the old Tsar Regime in Russia. So, they represented the Socialist Revolutionaries of Russian society.
Q. 20. Who were the Jadidists in the Russian society?
Ans. The Jadidists were the Muslim reformers within Russian Empire.
Q. 21. Write the name of revolution credited with the ideas of Liberty, Freedom and Equality to the world.
Ans. The French Revolution is the name of this great revolution. This revolution spread the ideals of Liberty, Freedom and Equality to the world.
Q. 22. By what other name is the Russian Revolution of 1917 known?
Ans. The Russian Revolution of 1917 is also known as the October Revolution.
Q. 23. By what other name was the event of ‘Bloody Sunday’ known in Russia?
Ans. The event of ‘Bloody Sunday’ was later called the 1905 Revolution in Russia.
Q. 24. What is the significance of Russian Revolution of 1917?
Ans. The Russian Revolution of 1917 is the most important event in the struggle for power. This revolution ended the old Tear Regime and established a socialist state in the country.
Q. 25. What is Vladimir Lenin credited with in terms of Russia?
Ans. Vladimir Lenin was a great social reformer of the world. He gave the concept of labour power to workers. In Russia, he introduced several economic changes and improved the condition of working class.
Q. 26. Why do the Russian people remember Father Gapon?
Ans. Father Gapon was a great leader of Russian workers. In 1905 on Sunday, he led the procession of workers, who wanted to meet the Tsar. But, the police fired at them killing more than 100 people in this incident. Later, this incident was known as the ‘Bloody Sunday’ in the history of Russia. Hence, the Russian people remember him.
Q. 27. By whom is the book, ‘Das Capital’ written?
Ans. Karl Marx has written the book ‘Das Capital’.
Q. 28. Which country is credited with initiating the five year plan in the world?
Ans. Russia is credited with initiating the five year-plan in the world.
Q. 29. What was the ‘April Thesis”?
Ans. The ‘April Thesis’ was the taken of three demands made by Vladimir Lenin He composed the thesis after return from exile in April, 1917.
Q. 30. Hint the features of October Manifesto.
Ans. The features of October Manifesto are:
(i) The power of the Tsar should be reduced.
(ii) The freedom of speech, press and association be restored.
(iii) Duma should be empowered to make law for the country.
Q. 31. Mention the three demands included in ‘April Thesis’ of Lenin.
Ans. The three demands included in ‘April Thesis’ of Lenin are:
(i) The end of World War-I.
(ii) The transfer of land to peasants.
(iii) The nationalization of Russian banks.
Q. 32. Who headed the Socialist Revolutionary Party after Lenin?
Ans. Stalin headed the Socialist Revolutionary Party after Lenin in Russia.
Q. 33. What do you know about Leon Trotski?
Ans. Leon Trotski was the leader of a Military Revolutionary Committee in Russia. This committee was appointed by the Soviet. It had to organize the seizure of power from the Tsar Trotski has guided this committee.
Q. 34. In what manner the Russian peasants differ from other European peasants?
Ans. The Russian peasants were different from other European peasants in the following ways:
(i) They had to respect the nobility.
(ii) They pooled their land together.
Q. 35. What were ‘Cossacks’ in Russia?
Ans. The commune of farmers in Russia was known as ‘Cossacks’.
Q. 36. Write the global impact of Russian Revolution.
Ans. The global impacts of the Russian Revolution are:
(i) This revolution spread the popularity of socialism all over the world.
(ii) The Russian Revolution enthused the people of Asia and Africa with a new spirit of nationalism. In fact, they were encouraged in their night for freedom from European colonisers.
Q. 37. What do you know about ‘Cheka’ in terms of Russia?
Ans. ‘Cheka’ was the name of Russian Secret Police department Under the Bolshevik rule the ‘Cheka’ had become quite active. It had to keep an eye on the activities of political leaders and bureaucrats of Russia.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Which incident came to be known as ‘Bloody Sunday’?
Ans. (i) On 9th January, 1905 a mass of peaceful workers with their wives and children was fired at St. Petersburg while on its way to the Winter Palace to present a petition to the Tsar.
(ii) More than a thousand workers were killed and thousands of others were wounded.
(iii) The incident known as Bloody Sunday in history of Russia, started a series of events that became known as 1905 Revolution.
Q. 2. What do you understand by ‘October Revolution’?
Ans. (i) The fall of Tsar is called the February Revolution.
(ii) The date on which the revolution took place was 27th February, 1917 according to the Russian Calendar.
(iii) After the February Revolution a provisional government was formed. The head of this government was Kerenskii. This government collapsed because of its unpopularity.
(iv) On November 1917 an all Russian Congress of Soviet took full political power. This event is known as the October Revolution. The corresponding date of the old Russian Calendar was 25th October.
Q. 3. Why did the Kerensky Govern-ment become unpopular in Russia?
Ans. (i) His failure to feel the pulse of the nation.
(ii) People wanted peace, but he tried to continue the war.
(iii) The non-Russian nationals failed to get an equal status under his Government.
Q. 4. Why were the non-Russians unhappy with the Czar Nicholas II?
Ans. (a) The Czar had imposed the use of the Russian language on them.
(b) He tried to demolish their culture.
(c) They were not consider equal citizens like the Russians.
Q. 5. How did Bolshevik Party contribute to Russian Revolution of October 1917?
Ans. (i) The Bolshevik Party put forward clear policies to end the war, transferred the land to the peasants and advanced the slogan, “All power to the Soviets”. On the question of non- Russian nationalities, Bolsheviks were the only party with a clear policy.
(ii) Lenin had proclaimed the right of all peoples to self-determination, including those under the Russian Empire.
Q. 6. Write three reforms introduced by the Russian Tsar Nicholas II after the Revolution.
Ans. (i) The freedom to speech.
(ii) The freedom of press.
(iii) The freedom to form association.
Q. 7. What incident started the Russian Revolution?
Ans. (i) A demonstration by the women of the working class trying to buy bread, which was in shortage due to Russia’s involvement in the First World War, started the Russian Revolution.
(ii) This was followed by a general strike of workers and soldiers. The revolutionaries in March 1917 captured St. Petersburg and the Tsar was removed from the power.
Q. 8. Explain the consequences of the Russian Revolution in 1905.
Ans. The consequences of the Russian Revolution in 1905:
(i) The Tsar allowed the creation of an elected consultative Parliament/Duma in Russia.
(ii) Most of the trade unions and committees were declared illegal.
(iii) Severe restrictions were imposed on various political activities.
(iv) The Tsar changed the voting laws, and filled the Duma with conservatives. They were in Favour of old traditions.
Q. 9. Who was ‘Duma’? How far was it successful?
Ans. ‘Duma’ was a parliament of elected Consultative. It was formed with the permission of Tsar after the success of 1905 Russian Revolution.
The Tsar dismissed the first Duma within 75 days and reelected the Second Duma within three months. He did not want any restrictions to be imposed on his powers. Therefore, he changed the voting laws and packed the third Duma with the conservative politicians.
Q. 10. Clarify the progressive, radicals and conservative thoughts in Russia.
Ans. (i) Progressive wanted a nation which tolerated all religions.
(ii) Radicals wanted a nation in which government was based on the majority of a country’s population.
(iii) Conservatives were opposed to radicals and liberals and they were opposed to the idea of change.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Describe the incident known as ‘Bloody Sunday’? State any two events after the Bloody Sunday Which led to the revolution of 1905 in Russia.
Ans. (i) On 9th January, 1905 a mass of peaceful workers with their wives and children was fired at St. Petersburg while on its way to the Winter Palace to present a petition to the Tsar.
(ii) More than a thousand workers were killed and thousands of others were wounded.
(iii) The incident known as Bloody Sunday in history of Russia, started a series of events that came to be known as 1905 Revolution.
Two events after the Bloody Sunday which led to the revolution of 1905 is Russia:
(i) Strikes took place all over the country and the universities closed down. The students complained about the lack of civil liberties.
(ii) Lawyers, doctors, engineers and other middle class workers established the Union of Unions. They demanded a constituent assembly.
Q. 2. What were the main demands of the Russian Revolutionaries immediately after the October Revolution in 1917?
Ans. (i) Land to the Tillers: After revolution the first task of the government was to confiscate the estates of the landlords, the church and the Czar and to allot them to the tillers.
(ii) Controlled industry by the workers: In Russia both foreign and Russian capitalists greatly exploited the workers and made huge profits at their expense. Hence, there was a great demand by the workers to control the industry by themselves.
(iii) Demand of Peace: Soon after the fall of the Czar Russia withdrew from the World War, because Russians wanted peace.
Q. 3. What was impact of Russian Revolution on the world?
Ans. (i) The Bolshevik or Russian Revolution helped in the spread of Socialist and Communist ideas all over the world. Communist Governments were established in many European countries like Poland, East Germany Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria.
(ii) Third International was formed with the headquarter of Moscow for promoting revolutions on an international scale. The main purpose of the Third International was to extend all possible help to the workers of different countries to abolish capitalism and to establish the power of the proletariat.
(iii) The Bolshevik government granted freedom to all its colonies immediately after coming to power.
(iv) The main motive of the Russian Revolution was to encourage global revolution. Thus, new government considering itself the forerunner of communism, in the world and inspired proletariat of all the countries for revolution.
Q. 4. Describe February Revolution of 1917 and October Revolution of 1917 in brief.
Ans. February Revolution of 1917
(a) On 25 February, the government suspended the Duma. Demonstrations returned back on the streets of the left bank. People raised slogans about bread, wages, better homes and democracy.
(b) The government tried to control the situation by calling the army but the cavalry refused to fire at the demonstrators. Now soldiers also joined workers and had all gathered to from a Council called the ‘Soviet’. This was called the Petrograd Soviet.
(c) The very next day, a delegation went to see Tsar and advised him to accept defeat. He decided to abdicate on 2 March and Soviet leaders and the Duma leaders formed a Provisional Government.
(d) New Russia’s future would be decided by the Constituent Assembly. Petrograd had led the February Revolution that brought down the monarchy in February 1917.
HOTS QUESTION
Q. 1. Describe the events of 24 October, 1917 in Russia.
Ans. Events of 24 october, 1917 in Russia:
(i) As the conflict between the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks grew, Lenin feared the Provisional Government would set-up a dictatorship.
(ii) In September 1917, Lenin started discussions for an uprising against the government. Bolshevik supporters in the army, Soviets and factories were brought together.
(iii) 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 Soviet under Leon Trotskii to organize the seizure. The date of the event was kept a secret.
(iv) The uprising began on 24th October. Sensing trouble, Prime Minister Kerenskii had left the city to summon troops which later seize government offices and arrest ministers.
(v) In the years that followed, the Bolsheviks became the only party to participate in the elections to the All Russian Congress of Soviets, which became the Parliament of the country.
In this, we can say that Russia became a one-party state.
Q. 2. Give an account of the effects of Russian Revolution on the world.
Ans. (a) As a result of the establishment of the Government of peasants and workers in Russia, the peasants and workers gained respect in other countries.
(b) After Revolution Communist Government was established in Russia. As a result Communist Governments began to be formed in other countries of the world.
(c) As a result of the Russian Revolution a struggle started between the capitalists and the workers throughout the world.
(d) Like Russia Governments of the other countries began to think that to provide bread, house and cloth to their people was their main duty.
Q. 3. Name the two sections into which the Socialist Movement was divided after the First World War. Also list out the differences between them.
Ans. (a) The Socialist Movement was divided into two sections viz. Socialist Parties and Communist Parties.
(b) The two sections had different views of how to bring about the success of socialism in the world.
(c) They disagreed on the basic plan and concept of socialism itself.
(d) Some believed that socialism should be brought about by social and economic reforms by the government, adopting peaceful and gradual methods. Whereas, others believed that Socialism would be established only by open and violent revolution.
PASSAGE BASED QUESTIONS
1. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
Conservatives were opposed to radicals and liberals. After the French Revolution, however, even conservatives had opened their minds to the need for change. Earlier, in the eighteenth century, conservatives had been generally opposed to the idea of change. By the nineteenth century, they accepted that some change was inevitable but believed that the past had to be respected and change had to be brought about through a slow process. Such differing ideas about societal change clashed during the social and political turmoil that followed the French Revolution. The various attempts at revolution and national transformation in the nineteenth century helped define both the limits and potential of these political tendencies.
(i) Conservatives were those who generally:
(a) opposed the privileges of great landowners and wealthy factory owners.
(b) opposed to the idea of change and believed that the past had to be respected.
(c) opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers.
(d) argued for a representative, elected parliamentary government.
Ans. (b) opposed to the idea of change and believed that the past had to be respected.
(ii) Radicals wanted a nation in which government was based on the majority of a country’s population and:
(a) accepted the need for change but that too in a slow process.
(b) privileges based on birth.
(c) men of property mainly should have the vote.
(d) supported women’s suffragette movements.
Ans. (d) supported women’s suffragette movements.
(iii) Liberals were however not ‘democrats’ because:
(a) they wanted a nation which tolerated all religions.
(b) they wanted a well-trained judiciary that was independent of rulers and officials.
(c) they did not believe in universal adult franchise.
(d) they wanted to safeguard the rights of individuals against governments.
Ans. (c) they did not believe in universal adult franchise.
(iv) The radicals were not against the existence of private property but disliked:
(a) concentration of property in the hands of a few.
(b) government based on the majority of a country’s population.
(c) social and economic changes.
(d) none of the above.
Ans. (a) concentration of property in the hands of a few.
2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
The year 1904 was a particularly bad one for Russian workers. Prices of essential goods rose so quickly that real wages declined by 20 per cent. The membership of workers’ associations rose dramatically. When four members of the Assembly of Russian Workers, which had been formed in 1904, were dismissed at the Putilov Iron Works, there was a call for industrial action.
(i) Real wage meant:
(a) the wages given to the workers at the end of the month.
(b) wages without deduction.
(c) the quantities of goods which the wages will actually buy.
(d) all of the above.
Ans. (c) the quantities of goods which the wages will actually buy.
(ii) Which of the following was the demand of the revolutionaries?
(a) Reduction in the working day to eight hours.
(b) Reduced food prices.
(c) Improvement in working conditions.
(d) Both A and C.
Ans. (d) Both A and C.
(iii) When the procession of workers led by Father Gapon reached the Winter Palace it was attacked:
(a) by the forces of Czar.
(b) by the police and the Cossacks.
(c) by the liberals.
(d) by the factory owners.
Ans. (b) by the police and the Cossacks.
(iv) _________ started a series of events that became known as the 1905 Revolution.
(a) Bloody Sunday.
(b) French Revolution.
(c) American War of Independence.
(d) American Civil War.
Ans. (a) Bloody Sunday.
3. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
In Russia, the war was initially popular and people rallied around Tsar Nicholas II. As the war continued, though, the Tsar refused to consult the main parties in the Duma. Support wore thin. Anti-German sentiments ran high, as can be seen in the renaming of St Petersburg—a German name — as Petrograd. The Tsarina Alexandra’s German origins and poor advisers, especially a monk called Rasputin, made the autocracy unpopular.
(i) Which countries were the warring groups in the First World War?
(a) Austria, Germany and France, Turkey.
(b) Germany, Britain and Austria, Russia.
(c) Germany, Austria, Turkey and France, Britain, Russia.
(d) Turkey, Russia and Austria, France.
Ans. (c) Germany, Austria, Turkey and France, Britain, Russia.
(ii) France, Britain and Russia were later joined by:
(a) USA and Germany.
(b) Italy and Romania.
(c) Turkey and Austria.
(d) Germany and Turkey.
Ans. (b) Italy and Romania.
(iii) Duma referred to:
(a) trade union association.
(b) farmer association.
(c) soldier association.
(d) consultative Parliament in Russia.
Ans. (d) consultative Parliament in Russia.
(iv) The Russian army suffered shocking and demoralizing defeat from _________ between 1914 and 1916.
(a) Italy and Romania.
(b) Germany and Austria.
(c) Romania and Germany.
(d) Germany and Italy.
Ans. (b) Germany and Austria.
