Q.1. Who put forward the April Theses?
Lenin was the key figure behind the April Theses.
- He returned to Russia in April 1917 after years in exile.
- Lenin opposed the ongoing war and called for a change in power.
- His main demands included:
- Ending the war.
- Transferring land to the peasants.
- Nationalising the banks.
- He suggested that the Bolshevik Party should be renamed the Communist Party to reflect its new goals.
- Initially, many in the Bolshevik Party were surprised by these ideas, believing it was too early for a socialist revolution.
Q.2. Who was Robert Owen?
Robert Owen was a prominent English manufacturer known for his innovative social ideas.
- He aimed to create a cooperative community called New Harmony.
- This community was established in Indiana, USA.
- Owen believed in the power of cooperation to improve society.
Q.3. Name the Secret Police of Russia.
Cheka was the first secret police organisation in Russia. It was established to:
- Enforce the policies of the Bolshevik Party.
- Punish those who opposed the Bolsheviks.
- Control dissent and maintain order during the revolution.
Later, it was renamed the OGPU and then the NKVD, continuing its role in suppressing opposition.
Q.4. Who was the father of communism?
Karl Marx is widely regarded as the father of communism. He was a German philosopher and economist who, along with Friedrich Engels, developed the theory of communism in the 19th century. Here are some key points about his contributions:
- Marx argued that society was divided into two main classes: capitalists, who owned production, and workers, who sold their labour.
- He believed that the profit generated by capitalists came at the expense of workers, leading to their exploitation.
- Marx advocated for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a socialist society where property would be collectively owned.
- He envisioned a future communist society where class distinctions would disappear, and everyone would share resources equally.
Q.5. Name two famous socialists who introduced a communist system.
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels are two prominent figures known for introducing a communist system.
Q.6. What was the main occupation of Russians?
Agriculture was the primary occupation of Russians, with around 85% of the population engaged in farming. This was significantly higher than in many European countries, where the percentage ranged from 40% to 50%.
- Most cultivators produced food for both the market and their own needs.
- Russia was a major exporter of grain.
- Industry existed mainly in urban areas like St Petersburg and Moscow.
- Craftsmen and factories coexisted, with many factories emerging in the 1890s.
Q.7. Highlight the main events of February Revolution.
Key events of the February Revolution include:
- 22nd February 1917: A lockout occurred at a factory on the right bank of the River Neva.
- 23rd February: Workers from fifty factories went on strike in support, with many women leading the protests.
- 25th February: The government suspended the Duma.
- 26th-27th February: A general strike began, with soldiers joining the workers.
- 2nd March: The Tsar abdicated, and leaders from the Soviet and Duma established a Provisional Government.
Q.8. Discuss the negative aspects of the Bolshevik government on soviet union and its people.
The Bolshevik government had several negative impacts on the Soviet Union and its people:
- The Bolsheviks opposed private property, leading to government control over most industries and banks.
- Land was declared social property, allowing peasants to seize land from the nobility.
- Russia became a one-party state, with the Bolsheviks suppressing political opposition.
- Trade unions were placed under strict party control, limiting workers’ rights.
- The government used the secret police to punish critics, creating a climate of fear.
Q.9. How was the bad condition of women responsible for Russian revolution?
The poor condition of women significantly contributed to the Russian Revolution. Key factors included:
- Women comprised 31% of the factory workforce.
- They received lower wages, earning between half and three-quarters of a man’s salary.
- Women were subjected to long working hours in harsh conditions.
- When they protested for better treatment, they faced violence from the police.
Q.10. Why Socialists were against private property? Explain.
Socialists opposed private property, viewing it as the root of many social problems. Their key arguments included:
- Private property primarily benefited individuals seeking personal gain.
- Property owners often neglected the welfare of those who contributed to its productivity.
- If property were controlled by society as a whole, it would prioritise collective social interests.
- Socialists campaigned for this change to promote fairness and equality.
Q.11. What was the Bolshevik Ideology?
Bolshevik Ideology
- Led by Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks believed in a disciplined party structure.
- In a repressive society like Tsarist Russia, they aimed to control the quality and quantity of their members.
- Their goal was to transform Russian society through revolution.
Q.12. Explain any five effects of the Russian Revolution of 1917 over Russia.
Effects of the Russian Revolution of 1917 on Russia:
- The revolution ended the autocratic Tsarist rule in Russia, abolishing the Romanov Dynasty.
- The new Soviet Government withdrew from the First World War.
- It established the world’s first socialist government.
- Nationalisation occurred, with the government acquiring all industries, banks, mines, and railways.
- Under Stalin’s leadership, the USSR began planned economic development and emerged as a global superpower.
Q.13. Mention any five effects of the Petrograd Revolution.
On Sunday 25 February 1917, the government suspended Duma. Politicians spoke out against the measures.
The streets thronged with people raising slogans about bread wages, better hours and democracy.
The government tried to control the situation and called out the cavalry once again. 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.
By the 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.
Q.14. Explain any five reasons why Russian people wanted the Czar to withdraw from the First World War?
The outbreak of war in 1914 saw Tsarist Russia join the Allied Powers, aiming for military gains. However, several factors led the Russian people to desire the Tsar’s withdrawal from the First World War:
- Heavy Casualties: The Russian army suffered devastating losses, with over 7 million casualties reported by 1917. These defeats were both humiliating and shocking to the populace.
- Poor Equipment: Russian soldiers were often ill-equipped and demoralised, leading many to refuse to fight. The retreating army also destroyed crops and buildings, worsening the situation.
- Refugee Crisis: The war caused a massive displacement, resulting in over 3 million refugees within Russia, which strained resources and heightened public discontent.
- Food Shortages: The destruction of farmland and the focus on supplying the military led to severe food shortages, triggering riots at bread shops across cities.
- Loss of Support: As the war dragged on, support for the Tsar diminished. The government’s inability to address these crises discredited the Tsar and his regime.
Q.15. Mention the features of socialism.
Features of Socialism:
- Opposition to private property, viewed as the source of social issues.
- Advocates for the government control of production means.
- Promotes cooperation among workers.
- Aims to replace capitalism.
- Focuses on enhancing the dignity of workers.