SOCIALISM IN EUROPE AND RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

 

CLASS- IX    HISTORY: INDIA AND THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD-I

 

02.    SOCIALISM IN EUROPE AND RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

 

Outline of the Chapter

·       Introduction

·       Liberals

·       Radicals

·       Conservatives

·       Industrialization and Social Change

·       Socialization in Europe

·       RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

·         Economy and Society of Russian Empire

·         Working population in Russian was different from other countries in Europe before 1917

·         Socialism in Russia

·         The 1950 Revolution 

·         Bloody Sunday

·         The 1^st World War and Russian Empire

·         The February Revolution in Petrograd  

·         After February (Effects) 

·         October Revolution (1917)

·         After October (Changes/Effects)  

·         The Civil War  

·         Making A Socialist Society

·         Stalinism and Collectivisation    

·         The Global influence of Russian Revolution and The USSR 

Section 1 – The Age of Social Change

Background

The French Revolution of 1789 was a turning point in Europe.

It introduced new ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

These ideas inspired people all over Europe and made them question the monarchy, aristocracy, and inequality in society.

As a result, many new political groups and thinkers emerged in the 19th century.

Liberals

• Who were they? Educated middle-class people like professionals, lawyers, teachers, and businessmen.
• Beliefs:
• Wanted freedom of the individual and equality before law.
• Supported a government elected by the people (parliamentary rule).
• Favoured religious freedom and opposed the special rights of the church.
• Believed in private property – they did not want to end it, but wanted rules to make it fair.

👉 Key Point: Liberals wanted reforms and a representative government, not monarchy.

Radicals

• Who were they? Young educated people, some professionals and middle-class workers.
• Beliefs:
• Supported government by majority, i.e., true democracy.
• Favoured political rights for workers.
• Wanted to end the privileges of the wealthy classes.
• However, many radicals were not in favour of women voting (their democracy was limited).

👉 Key Point: Radicals wanted democracy and rights for workers, but did not support women fully.

Conservatives

• Who were they? Kings, nobles, church leaders, and their supporters.
• Beliefs:
• Wanted to preserve old traditions like monarchy, aristocracy, and the power of the church.
• Opposed fast or violent changes.
• By the 19th century, they realised change was inevitable, but they wanted it to happen very slowly.

👉 Key Point: Conservatives disliked rapid change but later accepted gradual reforms.

Industrial Society and New Debates

• The Industrial Revolution changed Europe in the 19th century.

Effects:

• Positive: new industries, faster production, new cities, better transport (railways).

Negative:

• Factory owners became wealthy.
• Workers suffered – long working hours, unsafe conditions, very low wages, small overcrowded houses.

Debate:

• Liberals and Radicals criticised these conditions and asked for laws to protect workers.
• They supported better wages, shorter working hours, and safer workplaces.

Summary of Section 1

1. French Revolution (1789) spread ideas of liberty, equality, fraternity.

2. Liberals: Wanted freedom, equality before law, parliament, private property.

3. Radicals: Wanted democracy, rights for workers, but limited rights for women.

4. Conservatives: Wanted to protect monarchy and church; later accepted slow reforms.

5. Industrialisation created new problems: inequality, poor conditions for workers → debates about change.

Section 2 – The Coming of Socialism to Europe

The Idea of Socialism

• By the early 19th century, many thinkers in Europe felt that liberal and radical ideas were not enough to solve people’s problems.
• The Industrial Revolution had made some people (factory owners) very rich, but workers remained poor, exploited, and overworked.
• A new idea began to spread: Socialism.
• Main Beliefs of Socialists:
• Property and wealth should be shared equally by all, not just the rich.
• Private property (factories, land, machines) should be limited or abolished, because it caused inequality.
• Instead of competition, there should be cooperation, where everyone works together for the benefit of society.

👉 Key Point: Socialism came as a reaction against the unfairness of industrial society.

Early Socialists and Their Experiments

Some early socialists tried to put socialist ideas into practice.

Robert Owen (Britain):

• A leading socialist thinker.
• Built a cooperative community in New Lanark (Scotland).
• In this community, workers lived together, shared resources, and improved their conditions.
• This showed that people could live without selfish competition.

Louis Blanc (France):

• Said the government should set up workshops for people who needed work.
• Workers in these workshops would cooperate and share profits, rather than compete.

👉 Key Point: These early experiments showed alternatives to the capitalist system.

A New Belief: Society Without Classes

• Some socialists went even further and argued that all private property should be abolished.
• They wanted a society where:
• No one was rich or poor.
• All people were treated equally.
• Resources were shared for everyone’s benefit.
• They believed this would end the class divisions (rich vs poor, owner vs worker).

👉 Key Point: Socialists imagined a society with no class differences.

Formation of Socialist Associations

In many parts of Europe, socialists and workers began to form associations.

Their aim:

To spread socialist ideas.

To fight for workers’ rights.

They organised meetings, discussions, and campaigns to explain that cooperation was better than competition.

The Second International (1889)

In 1889, socialist parties from different countries came together to form the Second International.

Purpose: To coordinate socialist movements worldwide and support each other.

👉 Key Point: Socialism became a global movement, not just limited to one country.

Workers and Socialism

• Workers were deeply influenced by socialist ideas.
• They realised that together they were stronger than alone.
• Socialist ideas gave them hope that a fair society could be built where they would not be exploited.

Summary of Section 2

1. Socialism arose in the early 19th century as a response to inequality created by industrialisation.

2. Beliefs: Wealth should be shared, private property should be limited, and cooperation should replace competition.

3. Robert Owen (UK) set up a cooperative community in New Lanark.

4. Louis Blanc (France) suggested state workshops to provide jobs.

5. Some socialists wanted to abolish private property completely and end class divisions.

6. Socialist associations spread these ideas among workers.

7. 1889 – Second International formed to unite socialists worldwide.

8. Socialism gave hope to workers for a just and equal society.

Section 3 – The Russian Empire in 1914 (The Crises of Tsarism)

Russia under Tsar Nicholas II

• In 1914, Russia was ruled by Tsar Nicholas II.
• He was an autocratic ruler → this means he had absolute power and did not consult any elected body.
• There was no parliament with real power, and the Tsar took all important decisions himself.
• This system was different from most European countries, where kings had lost powers and elected parliaments had become stronger.

👉 Key Point: Russia was politically backward compared to the rest of Europe.

The Size of the Russian Empire

• The Russian Empire was very large – it stretched from Europe to Asia.
• It included:
• Present-day Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan.
• Parts of Poland and Central Asia.
• In all these regions, different nationalities lived.
• People spoke different languages and followed different religions.

👉 Key Point: The empire was huge and very diverse, but ruled by one Tsar.

The Russian Society

Russian society was deeply unequal.

1. The Nobility and the Church

A small group of nobles, landlords, and clergy enjoyed many privileges.

They owned large estates and lived in luxury.

The Orthodox Church was very powerful and supported the Tsar’s rule.

2. The Peasants

Around 85% of Russia’s population were peasants.

They lived in extreme poverty.

Some peasants were very poor and worked for landlords like serfs (bonded labourers).

Others were independent but still struggled with heavy taxes and very small landholdings.

From time to time, peasants revolted against landlords, seizing land or refusing to pay rent.

3. The Workers

In cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow, industries had grown by the early 20th century.

Conditions for workers were very bad:

Long working hours (sometimes 15–17 hours a day).

Very low wages.

Factories were unsafe and unhealthy.

Housing for workers was small and overcrowded.

Workers started forming strikes to demand better conditions.

👉 Key Point: A very small elite enjoyed privileges, while peasants and workers lived in misery.

Political Groups and Socialists in Russia

By the late 19th century, socialist ideas had also spread in Russia.

Workers and intellectuals began to organise themselves into socialist groups.

In 1898, the Russian Social Democratic Workers’ Party was formed.

But in 1903, it split into two groups:

1. Bolsheviks (led by Lenin)

Wanted a quick revolution.

Believed in a small, disciplined party of professional revolutionaries.

Believed power should go directly to workers and peasants.

2. Mensheviks

Believed revolution should happen gradually.

Wanted a larger, more democratic party with open membership.

Supported cooperation with liberals and moderates.

👉 Key Point: Russian socialism was divided into Bolsheviks and Mensheviks.

Why was Tsarism in Crisis?

Tsar Nicholas II ruled with absolute power, ignoring people’s needs.

Society was unequal – a few nobles enjoyed privileges while peasants and workers suffered.

Workers’ strikes and peasants’ revolts showed increasing anger.

Socialist parties were spreading revolutionary ideas.

👉 Main Point: By 1914, Tsarism was facing a deep crisis – poverty, inequality, and political unrest were shaking the empire.

Summary of Section 3

1. In 1914, Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia as an absolute monarch.

2. Russia was a huge empire with many nationalities and regions.

3. Society was very unequal:

Nobility and clergy enjoyed privileges.

Peasants (85%) lived in poverty.

Workers in cities faced long hours, low wages, and poor housing.

4. Socialism spread: Russian Social Democratic Workers’ Party formed in 1898 → split in 1903 into Bolsheviks (Lenin) and Mensheviks.

5. By 1914, Tsarist rule was already in crisis because of poverty, inequality, and political opposition.

Section 4 – The 1905 Revolution

Background

• By the early 1900s, discontent was growing in Russia.
• Workers were angry about low wages, long hours, and poor conditions.
• Peasants were upset about heavy taxes and lack of land.
• Political groups (socialists, liberals, radicals) were spreading ideas of change.
• The defeat of Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–05) added to the anger.
• People were shocked that a large European empire like Russia lost to a small Asian country, Japan.
• This exposed the weakness of the Tsarist government.

👉 Key Point: By 1905, Russia was ready to explode with protest.

Bloody Sunday (22 January 1905)

• On 22 January 1905, a peaceful procession of workers went to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.
• They carried petitions to the Tsar, asking for:
• Better working conditions.
• Reduction in working hours.
• Higher wages.
• The procession was peaceful and included men, women, and children.
• But Tsar’s soldiers fired at them, killing more than 100 people and wounding hundreds.
• This event is known as “Bloody Sunday.”

👉 Key Point: Bloody Sunday shocked Russia and destroyed people’s faith in the Tsar.

Spread of the 1905 Revolution

• After Bloody Sunday, strikes and protests spread across Russia.
• Workers formed unions and demanded more rights.
• Peasants revolted in the countryside, burning landlords’ houses and seizing land.
• Even soldiers and sailors joined the rebellion (e.g., the mutiny on the battleship Potemkin).
• Different groups (workers, peasants, liberals, socialists) were united in anger against the Tsar.

👉 Key Point: The whole empire was shaken by revolts and strikes.

The Tsar’s Response

Tsar Nicholas II was forced to take some steps to calm the situation.

He promised to set up an elected parliament called the Duma.

But in reality:

The Tsar kept most powers in his own hands.

He dismissed the first two Dumas (because they criticised him).

The Duma had very little real power and could not control the Tsar.

👉 Key Point: The Tsar pretended to allow reforms but remained autocratic.

Significance of the 1905 Revolution

• Though it failed to overthrow the Tsar, the 1905 Revolution was important because:
• It showed how angry and united workers and peasants were.
• It forced the Tsar to allow a parliament (Duma), even if weak.
• It became a “dress rehearsal” for the bigger revolutions of 1917.

Summary of Section 4

1. Causes: Poverty, inequality, defeat in Russo-Japanese War.

2. Bloody Sunday (22 Jan 1905): Peaceful protest attacked by Tsar’s soldiers; over 100 killed.

3. Spread of revolt: Workers’ strikes, peasants’ revolts, mutinies in army and navy.

4. Tsar’s response: Promised a Duma, but gave it little power.

5. Importance: Showed anger against Tsar and prepared the ground for 1917 revolutions.

Section 5 – The First World War and the Russian Empire

Russia Enters the War

In 1914, Russia joined the First World War on the side of the Allies (Britain and France).

People expected the war to bring honour and victory for the empire.

But soon, the war created a national disaster for Russia.

👉 Key Point: Instead of glory, the war worsened Russia’s problems.

Military Defeats

• Russian armies fought bravely but suffered severe defeats.
• In 1914–1916, millions of soldiers were killed, injured, or taken prisoner.
• Example: In 1914 alone, the army lost over 7 lakh men.
• Soldiers were poorly trained, lacked guns, ammunition, and proper supplies.
• This led to low morale in the army, and many soldiers deserted.

👉 Key Point: The Russian army was weak, badly supplied, and kept losing.

Economic Impact

The war put huge pressure on the Russian economy.

Government spent enormous amounts on the military.

This caused:

• Shortage of food and essential goods.
• Transport system (railways) broke down – trains were used for military, so food could not reach the cities.
• Inflation: Prices of goods rose sharply.
• Wages did not increase, so workers suffered even more.

👉 Key Point: War destroyed the economy and made life worse for common people.

Condition of Workers

• Workers in cities faced long working hours and rising prices.
• Factories closed down due to shortage of raw materials.
• Unemployment increased.
• Strikes and protests became common.

👉 Key Point: Workers’ anger grew because war worsened their condition.

Condition of Peasants

• Peasants were forced to send their sons to the army.
• Horses and crops were taken away by the government for the war.
• Families left behind faced hunger and suffering.
• Peasants grew angry with the Tsar’s government.

👉 Key Point: War deepened the suffering of peasants too.

Political Impact

• Tsar Nicholas II refused to consult the Duma (parliament).
• Instead, he made decisions alone, showing his autocratic nature.
• As war failures increased, people began to lose all faith in the Tsar.
• Even the army stopped supporting him.

👉 Key Point: War exposed Tsar’s incompetence and weakened his rule.

The Mood in 1917

• By the beginning of 1917, the situation was critical:
• Soldiers were tired and deserting.
• Workers were striking in large numbers.
• Peasants were seizing land in the countryside.
• Russia stood on the edge of a revolution.

👉 Key Point: The First World War directly created the crisis that led to the February Revolution.

Summary of Section 5

1. Russia entered WWI in 1914 but faced huge defeats.

2. Millions of soldiers were killed or wounded; army lacked proper supplies.

3. Economy collapsed – food shortages, transport breakdown, inflation.

4. Workers faced unemployment, low wages, rising prices → strikes increased.

5. Peasants suffered hunger and loss of family members to war.

6. Tsar ruled autocratically, refused to share power with the Duma.

7. By 1917, anger exploded → leading to the February Revolution.

Section 6 – The February Revolution in Petrograd

Petrograd – The Capital

• In 1917, the Russian capital was Petrograd (earlier called St. Petersburg).
• It was an important industrial city with many factories.
• The city was divided into:
• Right bank of River Neva: Rich areas, palaces, official buildings.
• Left bank of River Neva: Workers’ quarters and factories.
• Workers in Petrograd faced terrible food shortages and harsh living conditions.

👉 Key Point: Petrograd became the centre of revolutionary activity.

Why February 1917?

• By winter of 1917, food shortages were extreme.
• Workers had to queue for hours in bread shops.
• Cold weather, hunger, and war losses made people angry.
• Tsar Nicholas II still refused reforms and ordered soldiers to control protests.

👉 Key Point: Daily hardships pushed people to the edge.

The Beginning of Protest

• On 23 February 1917 (International Women’s Day), women workers in textile factories went on strike.
• They were joined by male workers from other industries.
• The slogans were “Bread, Peace, and Freedom.”
• In the next few days, the strike spread across Petrograd – about 3 lakh workers joined.
• Students and ordinary people also came out in support.

👉 Key Point: The revolution began with workers and women demanding bread.

The Role of the Army

• At first, Tsar ordered soldiers to fire on the protesters.
• Some regiments obeyed and killed many people.
• But soon, soldiers refused to shoot their own people.
• On 12 March 1917, soldiers mutinied and joined the protesters.
• Now the strike turned into a full-scale revolution.

👉 Key Point: Once the army joined, Tsarist rule began to collapse.

Fall of the Tsar

• On 15 March 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated (gave up) the throne.
• This marked the end of the monarchy in Russia.
• For the first time, Russia became a republic (no king).

👉 Key Point: Tsar’s rule ended within a few days of mass protest.

The Provisional Government

• After the Tsar’s abdication, a Provisional Government was formed.
• It was mainly made up of liberals and moderate leaders from the Duma.
• At the same time, workers and soldiers set up their own councils called Soviets.
• This situation was called “dual power”:

Provisional Government vs Soviets.

The real question: Who would hold power in the new Russia?

👉 Key Point: Russia entered a new phase – monarchy ended, but power was divided.

Summary of Section 6

1. Petrograd was the centre of revolution – rich on one side, workers’ quarters on the other.

2. By early 1917, food shortages and war made life unbearable.

3. 23 Feb 1917: Women workers started strike → spread across city.

4. Slogans: Bread, Peace, Freedom.

5. 12 March: Soldiers mutinied and joined protesters.

6. 15 March: Tsar abdicated → monarchy ended.

7. Provisional Government formed, but Soviets also existed → dual power.

Section 7 – After February

Dual Power in Russia

After the February Revolution (March 1917, new calendar), Tsarist rule ended.

But now there were two centres of power:

1. Provisional Government → formed by leaders of the Duma (mainly liberals).

2. Soviets (workers’ councils) → made up of workers and soldiers, representing ordinary people.

This system of dual power created confusion and conflict.

👉 Key Point: Russia had no clear authority – two groups claimed to rule.

Policies of the Provisional Government

• The Provisional Government promised reforms but made mistakes:
• It decided to continue fighting in the First World War → this made people angry because the war had already caused suffering.
• It failed to solve the food crisis in cities.
• It did not give land to peasants, even though they expected it.
• As a result, the government lost support among workers, peasants, and soldiers.

👉 Key Point: Provisional Government became unpopular because it failed to address people’s main demands.

The Soviets and Their Demands

Soviets were more radical and closer to the needs of workers and peasants.

They wanted:

• Immediate end to war.
• Land redistribution to peasants.
• Power to workers and soldiers.
• Workers and peasants trusted Soviets more than the Provisional Government.

👉 Key Point: Soviets grew in popularity because they represented common people.

Return of Lenin

In April 1917, Vladimir Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks, returned to Russia from exile in Switzerland.

He brought with him a new programme known as the April Theses.

Lenin’s April Theses

1. War should end immediately – Russia must withdraw from World War I.

2. Land should be given to peasants.

3. Banks, industries, and power should go to Soviets (workers’ councils).

4. Slogans: “Peace, Land, Bread” and “All power to Soviets.”

These ideas were simple and matched the needs of people → that is why they became very popular.

👉 Key Point: Lenin gave clear direction and strengthened the Bolsheviks.

Growth of the Bolsheviks

After Lenin’s return, Bolsheviks became more active.

They started spreading propaganda in factories, barracks, and villages.

Many workers, peasants, and soldiers shifted their support from the Provisional Government to the Bolsheviks.

👉 Key Point: Bolsheviks gained mass support during 1917.

Summary of Section 7

1. After February 1917, Russia had dual power – Provisional Government and Soviets.

2. Provisional Government failed: continued war, did not give land, could not end food shortages.

3. Soviets grew popular because they demanded peace, land, and power for workers.

4. Lenin returned in April 1917 with his April Theses → “Peace, Land, Bread” and “All power to Soviets.”

5. Bolsheviks steadily increased their support among workers, peasants, and soldiers.

Section 8 – The October Revolution

Situation by September 1917

By September, the Provisional Government had become very unpopular.

Reasons:

• It continued to fight in World War I → soldiers were angry and deserting.
• It failed to give land to peasants → peasants were seizing land themselves.
• Food shortages and inflation in cities continued.
• Workers, peasants, and soldiers were losing patience.
• At the same time, Bolsheviks were gaining more and more support because of Lenin’s slogans:

                    “Peace, Land, Bread”
                                “All power to the Soviets.”

👉 Key Point: By late 1917, people no longer trusted the Provisional Government and turned to the Bolsheviks.

Lenin’s Call for Action

• Lenin believed that now was the time to seize power.
• He convinced the Bolshevik Party that waiting longer would allow enemies to crush them.
• He argued that only a revolution led by workers and peasants could bring real change.

👉 Key Point: Lenin’s leadership pushed Bolsheviks towards immediate revolution.

The Uprising – 24–25 October 1917

On the night of 24 October 1917, the Bolsheviks began their uprising in Petrograd.

They took control of:

• Railway stations,
• Telephone exchange,
• Banks,
• Government offices,
• Military headquarters.

On 25 October 1917, they surrounded the Winter Palace, the headquarters of the Provisional Government.

Government ministers were arrested without much resistance.
The Provisional Government collapsed.

👉 Key Point: The October Revolution was quick and almost bloodless in Petrograd.

Establishment of Bolshevik Power

• After the uprising, Bolsheviks announced that all power would be transferred to Soviets (workers’ councils).
• Lenin and the Bolshevik Party formed a new government called the Council of People’s Commissars.
• They promised to make immediate changes in favour of workers and peasants.

👉 Key Point: The Bolsheviks created the world’s first socialist government.

Why the October Revolution was Important

• It was not just a change of rulers – it was a socialist revolution.
• For the first time in history, a government was formed to represent workers and peasants, not nobles and kings.
• It inspired socialist movements all over the world.

👉 Key Point: The October Revolution became a symbol of hope for oppressed people globally.

Summary of Section 8

1. By September 1917, Provisional Government had lost all support.

2. Lenin convinced Bolsheviks to act quickly.

3. 24–25 October 1917: Bolsheviks captured key government offices in Petrograd and arrested ministers.

4. Provisional Government collapsed.

5. Bolsheviks set up a socialist government – Council of People’s Commissars.

6. October Revolution became the first successful socialist revolution in the world.

Section 9 – What Changed after October

The First Decisions of the Bolsheviks

After the October Revolution (25 October 1917), the Bolsheviks came to power in Petrograd.

Their first priority was to fulfil the promises made to workers and peasants.

They announced:

• Land would be taken away from nobles and landlords and redistributed to peasants.
• Factories and industries would be placed under the control of workers’ committees.
• Banks would be nationalised (brought under state control).
• War would end immediately – they began peace talks with Germany.

👉 Key Point: The Bolsheviks tried to immediately implement “Peace, Land, Bread.”

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

• In March 1918, Russia signed a peace treaty with Germany called the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
• Russia pulled out of the First World War.
• This fulfilled the demand of soldiers and people who wanted an end to war.

👉 Key Point: Russia became the first country to withdraw from World War I.

Opposition to the Bolsheviks

• Many people were unhappy with Bolshevik rule:
• Liberals and supporters of the monarchy opposed them.
• Other socialist groups (Mensheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries) disagreed with their policies.
• Landlords and factory owners were angry about losing their property.
• This led to a civil war between:
• Reds (Bolsheviks) and
• Whites (monarchists, landlords, foreign powers like Britain, France, USA, Japan who wanted to crush socialism).

👉 Key Point: Bolsheviks had to fight hard to hold on to power.

Civil War (1918–1920)

• During the civil war, the Bolsheviks controlled Moscow and Petrograd.
• The Whites attacked from many sides, but the Red Army, led by Leon Trotsky, defeated them.
• To run the war, Bolsheviks followed ‘War Communism’:
• Took grain from peasants to feed the army.
• Industries were fully controlled by the state.
• Strict discipline was enforced.
• Though Reds won, the economy was destroyed.

👉 Key Point: Bolsheviks won the civil war, but Russia suffered huge economic loss.

Formation of the USSR

• In 1922, the Bolsheviks created a new country called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
• It was based on socialist principles:
• Equality among all nationalities.
• No private property of land or industry.
• Rule in the name of workers and peasants.

👉 Key Point: The world’s first socialist state was officially formed.

Changes in Society

• Bolsheviks introduced many reforms:
• Education was made free and compulsory.
• Health care was improved.
• Men and women were declared equal in law.
• Women got the right to work, vote, and participate in government.
• Workers and peasants were given more importance in politics.

👉 Key Point: October Revolution brought social as well as political change.

Summary of Section 9

1. After October 1917, Bolsheviks gave land to peasants, workers’ control in factories, and nationalised banks.

2. In March 1918, Russia signed Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany → withdrew from World War I.

3. Opposition led to Civil War (1918–1920) → Reds (Bolsheviks) vs Whites (monarchists + foreign powers).

4. Bolsheviks won under Trotsky but economy collapsed.

5. In 1922, USSR was formed as the world’s first socialist state.

6. Reforms: free education, equality for women, better healthcare, workers’ rights.

Section 10 – The Making of a Socialist Society

Rebuilding the Economy after the Civil War

• After the Civil War (1918–1920), Russia’s economy was in ruins.
• Industries had stopped, farms were destroyed, transport had broken down.
• Food production fell sharply – people in cities faced hunger.
• The Bolshevik government had to rebuild the economy and create a socialist society.

👉 Key Point: Civil war left Russia weak, so rebuilding was necessary.

The New Economic Policy (NEP) – 1921

In 1921, Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP).

Features:

• Peasants were allowed to sell their produce in the market after giving a part to the state.
• Small industries and trade could be privately owned.
• Big industries, banks, and transport remained under state control.

Purpose:

To give relief to peasants.

To increase food production.

To slowly recover from economic crisis.

👉 Key Point: NEP was a “temporary compromise” with capitalism to save the economy.

After Lenin – Rise of Stalin

Lenin died in 1924.

After his death, Joseph Stalin emerged as the new leader of the Soviet Union.

Stalin believed Russia must become strong and industrialised quickly to compete with the West.

👉 Key Point: Stalin replaced NEP with a stricter socialist plan.

Stalin’s Five-Year Plans

From 1928, Stalin introduced the Five-Year Plans.

Aim: To transform USSR into a modern industrial power.

Features:

1. All industries were nationalised (state-owned).

2. Targets were set for production of coal, steel, oil, machinery, etc.

3. New factories, dams, and power stations were built.

4. Workers were expected to work very hard to meet targets.

👉 Key Point: Industrialisation was forced and rapid.

Collectivisation of Agriculture

• To feed the growing industrial cities, Stalin introduced collectivisation in 1929.
• Small peasant farms were merged into large collective farms (kolkhozes).
• Peasants had to pool their land, tools, and animals.
• The state took grain to distribute in cities and export abroad.
• Many peasants resisted collectivisation, especially the richer ones called kulaks.
• The government punished them harshly – some were killed, others sent to labour camps.
• Despite resistance, collectivisation continued.

👉 Key Point: Collectivisation caused suffering but aimed to modernise farming.

Achievements of Socialist Society

• By the 1930s, USSR had:
• Become a major industrial power.
• Built modern transport, new cities, and factories.
• Reduced unemployment – everyone had some work.
• Improved education and healthcare.
• Gave women equality in law and jobs.

👉 Key Point: Soviet Union transformed from a backward country to an industrial power.

Problems of Socialist Society

• The system was also very harsh:
• Workers and peasants had little freedom.
• Those who criticised Stalin were arrested, killed, or sent to labour camps (this was called the Great Purge).
• Peasants suffered during forced collectivisation.
• So, while socialism brought progress, it also created fear and repression.

👉 Key Point: Socialism in USSR had both achievements and hardships.

Summary of Section 10

1. After civil war, economy collapsed → Lenin started NEP (1921) allowing limited private trade.

2. Lenin died in 1924 → Stalin took power.

3. Stalin launched Five-Year Plans from 1928 to rapidly industrialise USSR.

4. Agriculture was collectivised – small farms merged into large collective farms.

5. Achievements: USSR became a major industrial power, free education, healthcare, women’s equality.

6. Problems: Harsh rule, suppression of opposition, suffering of peasants.

Section 11 – The Global Influence of the Russian Revolution and the USSR

Impact of the Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution of 1917 was one of the most important events of the 20th century.

For the first time in history, a socialist government was established, based on the ideas of equality, workers’ control, and an end to exploitation.

This inspired workers and peasants all over the world who were suffering under kings, landlords, and industrialists.

👉 Key Point: Russia became a model for those who wanted justice and equality.

Spread of Socialist Ideas Worldwide

The success of the revolution made socialism popular in many countries.

Workers and trade unions in Europe, Asia, and Africa admired the Soviet system.

In many countries, Communist Parties were formed, guided by the ideas of Marx and Lenin.

The Comintern (Communist International) was set up in 1919 to spread socialism worldwide.

👉 Key Point: Soviet Russia encouraged global socialist movements.

Changes in Colonies

In countries that were under colonial rule (like India, Vietnam, China), the Russian Revolution gave hope to freedom fighters.

Leaders in these colonies were inspired by the idea that:

Ordinary people could defeat powerful rulers.

A just and equal society could be built.

In India, leaders like M.N. Roy and later groups of communists were influenced by the Russian Revolution.

👉 Key Point: The revolution gave courage to people fighting against colonialism.

USSR as a Superpower

After the revolution, the USSR (formed in 1922) worked to build a strong socialist society.

Despite difficulties, it achieved rapid industrialisation and became one of the world’s two superpowers by the mid-20th century (along with the USA).

Many countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, and later Africa adopted socialist systems influenced by the USSR.

👉 Key Point: USSR became a world power and spread socialism globally.

Criticism of the USSR

While many admired the USSR, there was also criticism:

Lack of political freedom – people could not criticise the government.

Harsh methods under Stalin, including purges, censorship, and labour camps.

Shortages of consumer goods – ordinary life was difficult despite industrial progress.

Some felt the dream of true equality was not fully achieved.

👉 Key Point: The USSR inspired people but also showed the dangers of dictatorship.

Summary of Section 11

1. Russian Revolution created the world’s first socialist government → inspired the world.

2. Socialism spread worldwide; Communist Parties were formed in many countries.

3. Colonised nations saw it as hope for ending exploitation and winning freedom.

4. USSR became a superpower and influenced countries in Europe, Asia, Africa.

5. Criticism: repression, lack of freedom, and harsh rule reduced the ideal of socialism.

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