Answer The Following Question.
1. What were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Ans: Social Condition: Workers were divided, with some maintaining links to rural areas while others had settled in cities. The workforce was also divided based on skills, and this division reflected in their dress and manners.
Economic Condition: Most industries were privately owned by industrialists, and the government supervised large factories. Industry was concentrated in certain regions, and the extension of the railway network in the 1890s, along with foreign investment, contributed to increased coal and steel production.
Political Condition: Russia was an autocracy, with Tsar Nicholas II ruling without the constraints of a parliament, unlike other European countries. Liberals in Russia campaigned for political reform. The Socialist Revolutionary Party struggled for peasants’ rights, and 1905 saw the event of Bloody Sunday, leading to the start of the 1905 revolution.
2. In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?
Ans: The majority of Russia’s population (about 85%) were agriculturists, a much higher proportion than in most European countries where it ranged from 40-50%. Russian cultivators produced goods for both market trade and their own needs, and Russia was a major exporter of grain.
3. Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
Ans : After 1905, Tsar Nicholas II dismissed the first two Dumas quickly and filled the third with conservative politicians. During World War I, the Tsar made unilateral decisions, alienating the Duma and causing further discontent. The retreating Russian army burned agricultural lands and destroyed buildings, worsening the situation. The majority of the population were peasants, and the land was controlled by a few wealthy landowners. These factors contributed to the 1917 revolution and the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy.
4. Main events and effects of the February and October Revolutions:
Ans: February Revolution:
Main Events:
In February 1917, there was food scarcity in workers’ quarters.
On February 23, a lockout occurred, and workers went on strike.
On February 25, the government suspended the Duma.
On February 27, protests escalated with slogans for bread, wages, and democracy.
The Petrograd Soviet was formed.
Tsar Nicholas II abdicated in March 1917, ending the monarchy.
A Provisional Government was formed by Soviet and Duma leaders.
Effects:
Public meeting restrictions were removed.
Soviets were formed throughout the country.
The number of trade unions increased.
Factory committees were formed in industrial areas.
Soldiers’ committees were formed in the army.
The Bolshevik influence grew, and the Provisional Government lost power.
Land committees were established to address redistribution.
October Revolution:
Main Events:
Lenin called for an uprising against the Provisional Government.
The Military Revolutionary Committee, led by Leon Trotsky, organized the seizure of power.
On October 24, Bolshevik forces seized key government buildings.
A bombardment by the ship Aurora helped capture the Winter Palace.
By the end of October, the city was under Bolshevik control, and ministers resigned.
Effects:
Industries and banks were nationalized.
Land was declared social property, and peasants could seize land.
The Bolsheviks restructured cities, redistributing houses and banning aristocratic titles.
The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik).
The All Russian Congress of Soviets became the new parliament.
Russia became a one-party state with the Bolshevik control over trade unions.
The Bolsheviks suppressed criticism, with a secret police system in place.
5. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
Ans: Nationalization of industries and banks by November 1917.
Land was declared social property, and peasants were allowed to seize land.
The Bolsheviks enforced housing redistribution in cities.
Aristocratic titles were abolished.
New uniforms were designed for the army and officials.
The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik).
Elections for the Constituent Assembly were held, but the Bolsheviks did not gain a majority, and Lenin dismissed the assembly.
The All Russian Congress of Soviets became the country’s parliament.
The Bolsheviks maintained tight control over trade unions, and the secret police punished critics.
Artistic experiments were conducted, but many artists were dissatisfied with censorship.
6. Write a few lines about:
Kulaks:
Wealthy peasants whom Stalin believed were hoarding grain for profit.
They were blamed for food shortages in towns.
Stalin aimed to eliminate them to modernize farms.
The Duma:
The Tsar allowed the creation of an elected consultative parliament, or Duma, in 1905. The Tsar quickly dismissed the first Duma and re-elected a second one but changed the voting laws to pack the third Duma with conservative politicians, preventing challenges to his authority.
Women Workers (1900-1930):
Women were paid less than men for similar work.
They made up 31% of the factory workforce.
The Liberals:
They advocated for equality of all religions.
They believed only property-owning men should have the right to vote.
They sought an elected parliamentary government.
Stalin’s Collectivisation Program:
Stalin introduced this program in 1929.
It aimed to improve grain supplies through collective farming (Kolkhoz).
However, it worsened food shortages as peasants were forced into collective farms.