Chapter 2
Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution
Questions.
Social Conditions:
Peasant Majority: Russia was predominantly an agrarian society, with over 80% of the population living as peasants. They were bound to their land by the Mir system, a communal form of land ownership that restricted their mobility and opportunities.
Nobility and Aristocracy: A small group of nobles and aristocrats held immense wealth and power, owning vast estates and controlling the political landscape. They enjoyed privileges and exemptions from taxes and conscription, while the peasants bore the brunt of taxation and military service.
Ethnic and Religious Diversity: Russia was a multiethnic and multi-religious empire, with a diverse population that included Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, Muslims, and others. This diversity created tensions and challenges in managing the country's vast territory and maintaining social cohesion.
Economic Conditions:
Underdeveloped Economy: Russia's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with industry concentrated in a few major cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow. Industrialization was lagging behind Western European countries, and the country remained largely rural and underdeveloped.
Exploitation of Workers: Factory workers faced harsh conditions, long working hours, low wages, and dangerous work environments. They lacked basic labor rights and protections, and strikes were often suppressed by the government.
Peasant Poverty: The peasantry was trapped in a cycle of poverty and debt. Landholdings were small and fragmented, and peasants struggled to make ends meet. The Mir system, while providing some communal support, also limited individual initiative and economic advancement.
Political Conditions:
Autocratic Rule: Russia was an absolute monarchy ruled by Tsars, who held absolute power with no meaningful representation for the people. The Tsar's authority was enforced by a repressive secret police and a powerful military.
Political Repression: Dissent and opposition to the Tsarist regime were harshly suppressed. Political parties were banned, and freedom of speech and expression were severely curtailed. Intellectuals, activists, and political opponents were often imprisoned or exiled.
Calls for Reform: A growing movement for political and social reform emerged in the late nineteenth century, demanding greater representation, civil liberties, and economic improvement. However, these calls were met with resistance from the Tsarist regime, further fueling the discontent that led to the 1905 Revolution.
The combination of these social, economic, and political conditions created a volatile atmosphere in Russia. The peasantry was increasingly resentful of their oppressive conditions, the working class was frustrated by their lack of rights and exploitation, and the intelligentsia was agitating for change. The Tsarist regime, clinging to its absolute power, was unable to address the mounting grievances, paving the way for the tumultuous events of 1905.
2. In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?
1. Degree of Urbanization: Russia was a predominantly rural society, with over 80% of the population living in villages and engaged in agriculture. This contrasted with other European countries, where urbanization was more advanced, and a larger proportion of the population lived in cities and worked in industries.
2. Concentration of Industrial Workers: While industrialization was taking place in Russia, it was still at an early stage compared to Western European countries. The industrial working class was concentrated in a few major cities, such as St. Petersburg and Moscow, and was relatively small compared to the overall population.
3. Working Conditions and Labor Rights: Russian workers faced harsh working conditions, long hours, low wages, and a lack of basic labor rights. They were often subjected to physical abuse and were not allowed to form unions or organize strikes. This situation was different from Western European countries, where labor unions had gained some recognition and workers had more rights and protections.
4. Links to Rural Life: A significant portion of the Russian working class maintained ties to the countryside. Many workers were seasonal migrants who would return to their villages for part of the year to work on their family farms. This dual existence differentiated them from the more established urban working class in Western Europe, who were more fully integrated into city life.
5. Political Awareness and Activism: The Russian working class was becoming increasingly politically aware and active in the early twentieth century. They participated in strikes, protests, and political movements, demanding better working conditions, more rights, and a voice in the political process. This growing political consciousness was a distinguishing feature of the Russian working class compared to their counterparts in other European countries.
In summary, the Russian working population before 1917 was characterized by its rural origins, concentration in specific urban centers, lack of labor rights, ties to rural life, and growing political activism. These factors contributed to the unique dynamics and challenges faced by the Russian working class in comparison to their European counterparts.
3. Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
1. Deep-rooted Social and Economic Inequality: The vast majority of the Russian population, particularly the peasantry, lived in poverty and endured harsh working conditions. The landed aristocracy and the emerging industrial bourgeoisie held immense wealth and power, while the masses struggled to make ends meet. This deep-rooted inequality fueled resentment and discontent among the working class and the peasantry.
2. Failed Reforms and Repressive Policies: The Tsarist regime's attempts to modernize and reform the economy and political system were often half-hearted and ineffective. Moreover, the government's response to growing discontent was often repressive, further alienating the people. The suppression of dissent, the lack of civil liberties, and the harsh treatment of workers and peasants intensified the calls for change.
3. Impact of World War I: Russia's involvement in World War I exacerbated the country's existing problems. The war effort placed a heavy strain on the economy, leading to shortages, inflation, and increased hardship for the population. The war also resulted in massive casualties, further fueling public discontent and distrust in the Tsarist leadership.
4. Growing Dissatisfaction among the Intelligentsia: The Russian intelligentsia, including writers, journalists, and academics, played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and stirring up revolutionary sentiments. They criticized the Tsarist regime's failures, advocated for social and political reforms, and exposed the government's corruption and incompetence.
5. Emergence of Revolutionary Movements: Various revolutionary groups, including the Socialist Revolutionaries and the Bolsheviks, emerged in the early twentieth century, offering alternative visions for Russia's future. They gained popularity among the working class, the peasantry, and sections of the intelligentsia, who saw them as agents of change and proponents of a more just and equitable society.
The combination of these factors - deep-rooted inequality, failed reforms, the impact of World War I, growing dissatisfaction among the intelligentsia, and the emergence of revolutionary movements - created a perfect storm that eventually overwhelmed the Tsarist regime. The 1917 Revolution marked the end of centuries of autocratic rule in Russia and ushered in a new era of political, social, and economic transformation.
4. Make two lists: one with the main events and the effects of the February Revolution and the other with the main events and effects of the October Revolution. Write a paragraph on who was involved in each, who were the leaders and what was the impact of each on Soviet history.
Main Events:
Spontaneous Protests and Strikes: Food shortages, economic hardship, and military setbacks in World War I sparked widespread protests and strikes in Petrograd (present-day St. Petersburg) in February 1917.
Formation of the Provisional Government: The Tsar, Nicholas II, abdicated on March 2, 1917, under pressure from the military and the Duma. A Provisional Government was formed, led by Alexander Kerensky, tasked with preparing for elections and addressing the country's pressing issues.
Dual Power: The Provisional Government struggled to maintain control, sharing power with the newly formed Petrograd Soviet, a council of workers' and soldiers' representatives. This dual power structure led to confusion and instability.
Effects:
End of Tsarist Autocracy: The February Revolution marked the end of centuries of Tsarist autocracy in Russia. It brought about political change and raised hopes for a more democratic and equitable society.
Social and Economic Upheaval: The revolution triggered a period of social and economic upheaval, with continued protests, strikes, and land seizures. The Provisional Government faced challenges in addressing these issues and maintaining order.
Rise of Socialist Movements: The February Revolution created an environment conducive to the growth of socialist movements, particularly the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin. They saw the revolution as an opportunity to seize power and establish a socialist state.
October Revolution (1917)
Main Events:
Bolshevik Insurrection: On November 7, 1917 (October 25 in the Old Style calendar), the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, staged an armed insurrection in Petrograd. They seized key government buildings and arrested members of the Provisional Government.
Declaration of Soviet Power: The Bolsheviks declared Soviet power at the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets, establishing a new government based on the authority of the soviets. They promised to end Russia's involvement in World War I, implement land reforms, and establish a socialist state.
Civil War and Consolidation of Power: The Bolsheviks faced opposition from anti-communist forces, leading to a brutal civil war that lasted until 1922. The Bolsheviks emerged victorious, consolidating their power and establishing the Soviet Union.
Effects:
Establishment of the Soviet Union: The October Revolution marked the birth of the Soviet Union, the world's first communist state. It ushered in a new era of political, social, and economic transformation.
Social and Economic Transformation: The Bolsheviks implemented sweeping reforms, nationalizing industries, collectivizing agriculture, and establishing a centralized economic system. They aimed to create a classless society based on socialist principles.
Impact on World History: The October Revolution had a profound impact on world history, inspiring revolutionary movements and shaping the Cold War era. It established the Soviet Union as a global superpower and rival to the United States.
Leaders and Impact on Soviet History:
February Revolution:
Alexander Kerensky: Leader of the Provisional Government, which replaced the Tsarist regime after the February Revolution. He faced challenges in maintaining control and addressing the country's pressing issues.
October Revolution:
Vladimir Lenin: Leader of the Bolshevik Party, which orchestrated the October Revolution and established the Soviet Union. He implemented sweeping reforms and centralized power under the Communist Party.
Leon Trotsky: A prominent Bolshevik leader and key figure in the October Revolution. He played a crucial role in organizing the Red Army and consolidating Bolshevik power during the civil war.
Impact on Soviet History:
Both the February and October Revolutions played pivotal roles in shaping Soviet history. The February Revolution brought about the end of Tsarist autocracy and created the conditions for the Bolshevik takeover in October. The October Revolution established the Soviet Union as a communist state and set the stage for decades of Soviet rule under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin and his successors.
5. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
৫) অক্টোবৰ বিপ্লৱৰ লগে লগে বলছেভিকসকলে আনি দিয়া মূল পৰিৱৰ্তনসমূহ কি আছিল?
Nationalization of land and industry: The Bolsheviks declared all land to be state property and allowed peasants to seize land from the nobility. They also nationalized all major industries, banks, and other means of production. This effectively eliminated private property in the key sectors of the economy.
Creation of a one-party state: The Bolsheviks banned all other political parties and established the Communist Party as the sole ruling party. They suppressed dissent and established a system of political control that extended to all aspects of society.
Establishment of a central planning system: The Bolsheviks abandoned the free market economy and replaced it with a system of central planning. The government took control of all economic decision-making, including production, distribution, and pricing.
Introduction of social welfare programs: The Bolsheviks implemented a number of social welfare programs, including free education and healthcare. They also made efforts to improve working conditions and provide social security for workers.
These measures had a profound impact on Russian society. They transformed the country from a backward agrarian state into a rapidly industrializing power. However, they also came at a significant cost. The Bolsheviks' policies led to widespread economic hardship, political repression, and social upheaval.
Here are some of the immediate consequences of these changes:
Economic dislocation: The nationalization of industry and the disruption of the market economy led to widespread economic dislocation. Production fell, unemployment rose, and prices soared.
Peasant unrest: The Bolsheviks' land reform policies led to widespread unrest among the peasantry. Peasants were often dissatisfied with the amount of land they received, and they clashed with the government over control of agricultural production.
Political repression: The Bolsheviks' suppression of dissent led to the arrest and execution of thousands of political opponents. The Cheka, the secret police, became a symbol of the regime's brutality.
Social upheaval: The Bolsheviks' policies led to a period of great social upheaval. The traditional social order was shattered, and new social classes emerged. The revolution also led to a mass exodus of people from the countryside to the cities.
Despite these challenges, the Bolsheviks' reforms had a lasting impact on Russia. They laid the foundation for the Soviet Union, which was a superpower for most of the 20th century. The Bolsheviks' legacy is still debated today, but there is no doubt that they were one of the most influential revolutionary movements in history.
6. Write a few lines to show what you know about:
► the Duma
► women workers between 1900 and 1930
► the Liberals
►
► Stalin's collectivisation programme.
Answer Type By: Himashree Bora.
