Q9: Describe the key differences between the February and October Revolutions of 1917. (3 Marks)
Ans:
The February Revolution was a mass uprising that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of the Provisional Government. It was largely spontaneous and not led by a single party.
The October Revolution, on the other hand, was a planned coup led by the Bolsheviks under Lenin's leadership, resulting in the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of Bolshevik control.
Q10: Discuss the impact of industrialization on the working class in Europe during the 19th century. (3 Marks)
Ans:
- Industrialization brought profound changes to the working class, leading to the growth of factories and urban centers.
- Workers faced long hours, low wages, and poor working conditions.
- The rise of industries also led to the formation of worker associations and trade unions as workers sought to improve their living and working conditions through collective action.
Q11: What were the key features of Stalin’s collectivization policy, and what were its consequences? (3 Marks)
Ans:
- Stalin’s collectivization policy involved the consolidation of individual peasant farms into large, state-controlled collective farms (kolkhozes).
- It aimed to increase agricultural productivity and eliminate the kulaks (wealthy peasants).
- However, it led to widespread resistance, a drastic reduction in livestock, and one of the worst famines in Soviet history, resulting in millions of deaths.
Q12: Explain the causes and effects of the Russian Revolution of 1917. (5 Marks)
Ans: Causes:
Autocratic Rule of Tsar Nicholas II:The Tsar maintained absolute power, with no checks from any elected parliament. The oppressive regime, lack of political freedoms, and censorship fueled widespread dissatisfaction.
Economic Hardship and Food Shortages:Russia faced severe economic problems, including widespread poverty, unemployment, and inflation. The agricultural sector was backward, and frequent famines occurred, leading to food shortages in cities.
Military Defeats During World War I:Russia’s involvement in World War I led to devastating losses on the battlefield. The war exacerbated economic problems, leading to further discontent among the people. Soldiers, mostly peasants, were demoralized by defeats and started deserting the army.
Social Unrest Among Workers and Peasants: The working class faced long hours, poor wages, and unsafe working conditions. Peasants, who made up the majority of the population, were burdened by heavy taxes and land shortages. Strikes, protests, and peasant uprisings became common, reflecting deep social unrest.
Effects:Fall of the Romanov Dynasty: The February Revolution led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, ending centuries of Romanov rule in Russia. The monarchy was replaced by a Provisional Government.
Establishment of the Provisional Government:The Provisional Government was set up to oversee the transition to a more democratic regime. However, it failed to address key issues like land reforms and withdrawal from the war, leading to its loss of support.
Bolshevik Seizure of Power in the October Revolution: Under Lenin's leadership, the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government in October 1917. They established a communist government, leading to radical social, economic, and political changes.
Creation of the Soviet Union:The revolution led to the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1922, marking the beginning of a new socialist state. The Soviet Union became a one-party state under the control of the Communist Party.
Nationalization of Industry and Land Redistribution:The Bolsheviks nationalized all major industries, banks, and land, redistributing land to the peasants. Private property was abolished, and the state controlled the means of production.
Q13: Analyze the role of Karl Marx’s ideas in shaping the socialist movements in Europe. (5 Marks)
Ans:
(i) Critique of Capitalism:
Industrial Society as Capitalist: Karl Marx argued that industrial society was inherently capitalist, where the means of production were owned by capitalists. The capitalist system was based on the exploitation of workers, who produced value but received only a fraction of it as wages. Marx believed that the accumulation of wealth by capitalists led to inequality and social ills.
Class Struggle: Marx proposed that history was driven by class struggle, primarily between the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and the proletariat (workers). He believed that this struggle would inevitably lead to the downfall of capitalism and the rise of socialism.
(ii) Advocacy for a Classless Society:
Overthrow of Capitalism: Marx advocated for the overthrow of the capitalist system through a proletarian revolution. He envisioned a socialist society where the working class would seize control of the means of production.
Communist Society: In Marx’s vision, a communist society would emerge where all property was collectively owned. There would be no classes, and the state would eventually wither away, leading to a stateless, classless society.
(iii) Influence on Socialist Movements:
Inspiration for Socialist Movements: Marx’s ideas became the foundation of many socialist and communist movements across Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. His works, particularly "The Communist Manifesto" and "Das Kapital," provided a theoretical framework for the struggle against capitalism.
Formation of Socialist Parties: Marx’s ideas led to the formation of various socialist and communist parties that sought to implement his theories. These parties aimed to represent the working class and bring about social and economic reforms in line with Marxist principles.
Impact on European Politics:Marxist ideas influenced major political events, including the Russian Revolution of 1917.The establishment of the Soviet Union was a direct outcome of Marxist ideology, and it had a profound impact on global politics throughout the 20th century.
