Class 9 History Chapter 2 HOTS Questions - Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

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Q1: Describe the history of the Socialist Movement in Russia.
Ans: In 1898, the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party was established, inspired by the ideas of Karl Marx. Due to government repression, it operated illegally, launching a newspaper and organising strikes to mobilise workers. In 1900, some socialists formed the Socialist Revolutionary Party, focusing on:

• Advocating for peasants' rights.
• Demanding the transfer of land from nobles to peasants.

Lenin, leader of the Bolshevik faction, believed that not all peasants could be part of the socialist movement due to their differing economic statuses. He argued that:

• Peasants were not a unified group; some were rich, while others were poor.
• In a repressive society like Tsarist Russia, the party needed to be disciplined and selective about its members.

In contrast, the Mensheviks, led by Kerensky, advocated for a more open party structure. This division highlighted the differing organisational strategies within the socialist movement.

Q2: Describe the condition of Russia during World War I.
Ans: During World War I, Russia faced significant challenges:

• The war was initially popular, with many supporting Tsar Nicholas II.
• On the eastern front, battles resulted in large casualties and shocking defeats.
• By 1917, over 7 million casualties had occurred.
• As the army retreated, they destroyed crops and buildings to hinder enemy access, leading to over 3 million refugees.
• This destruction discredited the Tsar's government, and even soldiers grew disillusioned with the war.
• Industrial decline occurred, with shortages of essential goods and labour due to men being called to the front.
• By the winter of 1916, food shortages caused riots in cities over bread.

Q3: State the main events leading to the February Revolution in Petrograd.
Ans: In February 1917, the conditions in Petrograd were dire:

• Workers' quarters and factories were on the right bank of the River Neva, while the left bank housed the fashionable areas and official buildings.
• A severe food shortage affected the workers, exacerbated by a harsh winter with exceptional frost and heavy snow.
• On 22 February, a lockout at a factory triggered a strike, with workers from fifty factories joining in solidarity the next day.
• Women played a leading role in the strikes, marking the day as International Women's Day.
• Protesting workers crossed the river, surrounding official buildings, prompting the government to impose a curfew.
• On 25 February, the government suspended the Duma, leading to increased protests on the 26th and 27th.
• By the 27th, the Police Headquarters were ransacked, and a soviet was formed by the striking workers.
• The Tsar was advised to abdicate, which he did on 2 March, leading to the establishment of a Provisional Government.

Q4: How was the February Revolution able to bring down the monarchy in Russia?
Ans: On 25 February, the government suspended the Duma, leading to widespread demonstrations on the left bank of Petrograd. Protesters demanded:

• Bread
• Wages
• Better working hours
• Democracy

The government attempted to control the unrest by deploying the army, but the cavalry refused to fire on the demonstrators. Instead, soldiers joined the workers, forming a council known as the Petrograd Soviet. On 26 February, a delegation visited the Tsar, urging him to accept defeat. Following military advice, he abdicated on 2 March. Subsequently, leaders from the Soviet and the Duma established a Provisional Government. The future of Russia was to be determined by a Constituent Assembly, elected through universal adult suffrage. Thus, Petrograd played a crucial role in the February Revolution that led to the downfall of the monarchy in February 1917.

Q5: Which events led to the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia?
Ans: Several key events led to the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia:

• Conflict arose between the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks, as Lenin feared a potential dictatorship.
• On 16 October 1917, Lenin convinced the Petrograd Soviet and the Bolshevik Party to support a socialist takeover. A Military Revolutionary Committee was formed under Leon Trotskii to plan the uprising.
• The uprising commenced on 24 October. Prime Minister Kerenskii left the city to gather troops, sensing trouble.
• In response, the Military Revolutionary Committee instructed its supporters to seize government offices and arrest ministers.
• By nightfall, the city was under the Committee's control, and the ministers had surrendered.
• Similar uprisings occurred in other cities, with heavy fighting, but by December, the Bolsheviks had established control over the Moscow-Petrograd area.

October Revolution, 1917

Q6: What changes were brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
Ans:

• Opposition to private property: The Bolsheviks completely rejected the idea of private ownership.
• Nationalisation: In November 1917, most industries and banks were taken over by the government, which meant they were now state-owned and managed.
• Land reforms: Land was declared social property, allowing peasants to take over land from the nobility.
• Housing changes: In urban areas, the Bolsheviks divided large houses to meet the needs of families.
• Abolition of aristocratic titles: The use of old noble titles was prohibited.
• Party renaming: The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party.

Q7: What do you know about Stalin's Collectivisation Programme?
Ans: Stalin's Collectivisation Programme began in 1929, forcing all peasants to work on collective farms, known as kolkhoz.

• The government took control of most land and farming tools.
• Peasants shared the profits from the collective farms.
• Many peasants resisted, leading to the destruction of livestock.
• Those who opposed collectivisation faced severe punishment, including deportation and exile.
• Peasants claimed they were not wealthy and supported socialism but did not want to work on collective farms.
• Some independent farming was allowed, but these farmers were treated harshly.

Despite the programme, agricultural production did not improve immediately. Poor harvests from 1930 to 1933 resulted in a devastating famine, causing the deaths of over 4 million people.

Q8: What were the views of liberals about the transformation of society in the 18th century?
Ans: Views of liberals:

• Liberals sought a nation that tolerated all religions.
• They opposed the unchecked power of dynastic rulers.
• They aimed to protect the rights of individuals against government overreach.
• They advocated for a representative, elected parliamentary government, governed by laws interpreted by an independent judiciary.
• However, they did not support universal suffrage; they believed only property-owning men should vote and excluded women from voting rights.

Q9: What were the effects of the Russian Revolution on the world?
Ans: The effects of the Russian Revolution on the world were significant:

• Communist parties emerged in various countries, including the Communist Party of Great Britain.
• The Bolsheviks inspired colonial peoples to seek their independence.
• Many non-Russians participated in socialist conferences and the Comintern, which was founded by the Bolsheviks.
• Some individuals received education at the Communist University of the Workers of the East in the USSR.
• By the onset of World War II, the USSR had given socialism a global presence and recognition.

Q10: Louis Blanc in France believed in: 
(a) A government by the monarchs 
(b) A government to encourage cooperatives and replace capitalists 
(c) The capitalists enjoying profits 
(d) All of the above
Ans: Louis Blanc in France believed in a government that would:

• Encourage cooperatives
• Replace capitalist enterprises

His vision was to create associations where people could produce goods together and share the profits based on their contributions.

Q11: The event, 'Bloody Sunday' was later on called: 
(a) 1905 Revolution 
(b) 1917 February Revolution 
(c) 1917 October Revolution 
(d) 1917 Revolution
Ans: The event known as Bloody Sunday is often referred to as the 1905 Revolution. This incident marked a significant turning point in Russian history, leading to widespread unrest and demands for reform.

• In 1904, Russian workers faced severe hardships, with real wages dropping by 20% due to rising prices.
• Following the dismissal of workers at the Putilov Iron Works, over 110,000 workers in St Petersburg went on strike.
• The peaceful procession led by Father Gapon was met with violence, resulting in over 100 deaths.
• This event sparked a series of strikes and protests across the country, culminating in the 1905 Revolution.

Q12: The Central Powers of World War I were:
(a) France, Britain and Russia 
(b) Russia, Italy and Romania
(c) Germany, Austria and Turkey 
(d) Italy, France and Britain
Ans: The correct answer is C: Germany, Austria, and Turkey were the Central Powers during World War I.

Q13: The Jadidists were those who: 
(a) Followed Judaism 
(b) Formed a socialist party 
(c) Were Muslim reformers in Russia 
(d) were social democrats
Ans: The Jadidists were primarily known as Muslim reformers in Russia. They aimed to modernise and reform Islamic practices and education.

• They sought to improve the status of Muslims within the Russian Empire.
• Jadidists promoted the use of modern educational methods.
• They advocated for social and political reforms.

Q14: A special secret police was formed by Bolsheviks called: 
(a) Duma 
(b) Cheka 
(c) Soviets 
(d) Aurora
Ans: The special secret police formed by the Bolsheviks was called the Cheka.

Q15: Why the period after the success of French Revolution can be called the age of social change?
Ans: The period following the French Revolution is often referred to as the age of social change due to several key developments:

• The revolution created opportunities for significant changes in societal structure.
• Before the 18th century, society was mainly divided into estates and orders, with the aristocracy and church holding most power.
• After the revolution, discussions about individual rights and social power emerged across Europe and Asia.
• In India, thinkers like Raja Rammohan Roy and Derozio highlighted the importance of the French Revolution.
• These ideas influenced societal changes in the colonies, further reshaping the discourse.

Q16: What was the impact of industrial society on the social life of the people?
Ans: Industrial society had a significant impact on social life:

• Industrialisation drew men, women, and children into factories.
• Work hours were often long, and wages were low.
• Unemployment was common, especially during periods of low demand for goods.
• Rapid town growth led to problems with housing and sanitation.
• Liberals and radicals sought solutions to these social issues.

Q17: 'World War I left Russia in such a situation that it led to February Revolution in Petrograd.' Do you agree?
Ans: World War I left Russia in such a situation that it led to February Revolution in Petrograd.

• Defeats in World War I were shocking and demoralising for Russia, with significant losses to Germany and Austria from 1914 to 1916.
• As the army retreated, they destroyed crops and buildings, resulting in over 3 million refugees.
• The war severely impacted industry, as Russia had few industrial resources and was cut off from suppliers due to German control of the Baltic Sea.
• By 1916, railway lines began to deteriorate, and industrial equipment was breaking down faster than in other European countries.
• Many able-bodied men were drafted into the army, causing a labour shortage and leading to the closure of small workshops that produced essential goods.
• Large quantities of grain were diverted to feed the army, resulting in severe food shortages for city dwellers. By the winter of 1916, riots over bread were common.
• In winter 1917, conditions in Petrograd were dire, with food shortages leading to strikes in about fifty factories.

Q18: What was the global influence of the Russian Revolution?
Ans: The global influence of the Russian Revolution was significant and multifaceted:

• Inspiration for Socialism: The revolution inspired socialist movements worldwide, leading to the formation of communist parties in various countries, including the Communist Party of Great Britain.
• Shift in Ideologies: Existing socialist parties in Europe were divided in their views on the Bolsheviks' methods, but the idea of a workers' state captured the imagination of many.
• Impact on India: The revolution motivated several Indians, resulting in the establishment of the Communist Party in India by the mid-1920s, which maintained connections with the Soviet Communist Party.
• Global Political Landscape: The revolution altered the political dynamics in various countries, prompting discussions on governance, social justice, and workers' rights.
• Repressive Policies: While the USSR became a major power, it faced criticism for denying essential freedoms and employing repressive measures to achieve its developmental goals.

By the end of the 20th century, the USSR's reputation as a socialist state had declined, yet socialist ideals continued to resonate with many people globally.

Q19: What was the global influence of the Russian Revolution?
Ans: The global influence of the Russian Revolution was significant and multifaceted:

• Many countries established communist parties, such as the Communist Party of Great Britain.
• The Bolsheviks inspired colonial peoples to pursue their own power struggles.
• Non-Russians participated in the Conference of the Peoples of the East and the Bolshevik-founded Comintern, which united pro-Bolshevik socialist parties globally.
• Some individuals received education at the USSR's Communist University of the Workers of the East.
• By the onset of the Second World War, the USSR had established a global identity for socialism.