Chapter - 2 Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

 Chapter - 2 Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution 

1. The Age of Social Change

• Before the 1800s, most of Europe was ruled by monarchies.
• After the French Revolution (1789), new ideas about liberty, equality, and democracy spread across Europe.
• Different political groups (liberals, radicals, conservatives) debated how society should change.

Who Were Liberals, Radicals, and Conservatives?

1. Liberals :- Believed in:

• Wanted change, but slowly and peacefully.
• Individual rights (freedom of speech, religion).
• Elected governments (not absolute monarchs).
• Laws made by Parliament, not kings.
• BUT: They didn’t want voting rights for everyone—only for property-owning men.
• Think of them as supporters of limited democracy.

2. Radicals :- Believed in:

• Wanted big, fast changes in society.
• Equality for all men, including the poor.
• Universal adult voting rights (for men).
• Ending the power of kings and nobles.
• Many supported revolutions to achieve change.
• Think of them as revolutionaries who wanted real democracy.

3. Conservatives :-

• Wanted to keep things the same.
• Monarchy and traditional society.
• The church and nobles’ power.
• Later, some conservatives agreed to small changes—but only to keep order.
• Think of them as defenders of the old ways.

Industrial Society and Social Change 

It was a time of profound social and economic changes. It was a time when cities came up and new industrialised regions developed, railways expanded and the industrial revolution occurred.

1. Industrialisation and Life of Workers

• Due to Industrilisation men, women and children came to factories.
• Life became hard for workers:
• Long working hours.
• Low wages.
• Unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
• Women and children were also made to work in terrible conditions.

2. Protests and Reforms :-  Liberals and radicals wanted revolutions to put an end to the kind of governments established in Europe in 1815 and They demanded:

• Workers in Europe started forming trade unions.
• Better wages.
• Shorter working hours.
• Safe working conditions.
• Governments slowly passed labour laws to improve worker rights.

The Coming of Socialism to Europe

• After the French Revolution, many new political ideas spread across Europe.
• People began questioning:
• Why some were rich and others poor.
• Why workers had no rights while factory owners became wealthy.

What is Socialism?

• Socialism is an idea that promotes equality and collective ownership of resources.
• Socialists believed: - Wanted to end private property and bring economic equality.
• Private property creates inequality.
• The government or community should own and manage resources like land and factories.
• Everyone should get a fair share of wealth.

Early Socialists

• Believed in a cooperative society where everyone shares resources.
• Some key thinkers:
• Robert Owen (England): Built a model socialist community in New Harmony, USA.
• Louis Blanc (France): Suggested workshops run by the government to give jobs to the unemployed.

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels :- Most famous socialist thinkers. They Believed:

• Wrote the Communist Manifesto.
• Society is divided into capitalists (rich) and workers (poor).
• A worker’s revolution would overthrow the capitalists.
• This would lead to a classless society (communism).

Support for Socialism 

1. Support from Workers

• Industrial workers faced long working hours, low wages, and poor working conditions.
• Many workers supported socialism because:
• It promised equality and better working conditions.
• It aimed to end exploitation by factory owners.
• Workers formed trade unions to fight for their rights.

2. Formation of Socialist Parties

• In many European countries, socialist political parties were formed.
• These parties aimed to bring change through elections and laws, not just revolution.
• Examples:
• Social Democratic Party (Germany) – became very powerful.
• Labour Party (Britain) – supported workers' rights.

3. Socialists in Parliament

• In countries like Germany, France, and Britain, socialist parties:
• Contested elections.
• Spoke up for workers in parliament.
• Helped pass laws to improve wages, working hours, and safety.

The Russian Revolution

Socialist tookover the government in Russia through the October Revolution of 1917. The fall of Monarchy in February 1917 and the events  Of October are Normally called the Russian Revolution.

The Russian Empire in 1914

1. Ruler: Tsar Nicholas II

• Russia was ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, an autocratic monarch.
• He had complete control—people had no say in government.
• No freedom of speech, press, or assembly.

2. A Vast Empire

• Russia included many different nationalities:
• Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Finns, Armenians, etc.
• Many of these groups wanted independence.
• There was a lot of ethnic tension and unrest.

Economy and Society

3. Agrarian Economy

• Russia was mostly agricultural (based on farming).
• Peasants made up 85% of the population.
• Most peasants were poor, landless, and exploited by landlords.
• In some areas, peasants had common land, unlike Western Europe.

4. Industrial Growth

• Cities like Petrograd and Moscow had factories.
• Factory workers lived in harsh conditions:
• Long working hours.
• Low wages.
• No rights or safety.
• There eas division among worker. but all workers unite to strike work (stop work).
• Workers began forming unions and protests and they help members in times of unemployement or financial hardship.

5. Society Was Unequal

• Wealth was in the hands of a few nobles and landlords.
• The middle class was small but growing.
• Workers and peasants had no power.

6. Difference between Russian and Europian Peasants 

• Peasants of Russia had no respect of nobility.
• Russia peasants wanted the land of the nobles to be given to them.
• Frequently the refused to pay rent and even murdered landlords.
• Peasants of Russia pooled their land together periodically and their commune (mir) divided according to the needs of individuals familied.

Socialism in Russia 

Till 1914 all political party were illegal in Russia

1. Beginning of Socialism in Russia

• In the late 19th century, socialist ideas started spreading in Russia.
• Workers and peasants were unhappy due to:
• Poverty, unfair treatment, and no rights.
• People were inspired by socialist ideas from Europe, especially Karl Marx.

2. The Russian Socialist Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP)

• Formed in 1898 to promote socialism in Russia.
• In 1900 They formed Socialist Revolutionary Party.
• Later split into two groups: Because they have diffiernt idealogy

Group                         Leader                                     Beliefs

Bolsheviks Vladimir Lenin         Wanted a quick revolution. Believed in a small, disciplined                                                                                     party of revolutionaries.

Mensheviks Various leaders Believed in gradual change and mass support through democracy.

A Trubulent time : The 1905 Revolution 

3. Problems in Russia

• Russia was ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, an absolute monarch.
• Society had extreme inequality:
• A few nobles were rich.
• Most people were poor peasants or workers.
• Workers faced long hours, low wages, and no rights.

4. Role of the Working Class:-They demanded:

• Workers in factories started forming unions and strikes.
• Better working conditions.
• More wages.
• Shorter hours.
• Many workers supported the Bolsheviks because they promised change.

5. 1905 Revolution – A Step Toward Socialism

• Father Gapon reached the Winter Palace.
• Protesters were shot by Tsar’s soldiers on Bloody Sunday.
• This led to widespread anger and protests.
• Tsar created the Duma (Parliament), but kept most power.

6. Rise of the Bolsheviks

• During World War I, Russia suffered heavy losses.
• People were angry at the Tsar for continuing the war.
• In 1917, two revolutions happened:
• February Revolution: Tsar was removed.
• October Revolution: Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government.

7. Building a Socialist State

• After the Bolsheviks came to power:
• Land was given to peasants.
• Factories were taken over by the government.
• Private property was abolished.
• Russia became the world’s first socialist country.

The First World War and the Russian Empire

1. When and How the War Started

• World War I began in 1914.
• Russia joined the war to support Serbia against Austria-Hungary.
• Russia was part of the Allied Powers (along with Britain and France).

2. War on the Eastern Front

• Russia fought mainly against Germany and Austria-Hungary on the Eastern Front.
• The Russian army was:
• Badly equipped.
• Poorly trained.
• Lacked proper weapons, clothing, and food.
• Millions of soldiers died, and morale was very low.

3. Effect of the War on Russian People

• The war caused huge problems inside Russia:
• Food shortages in cities.
• Fuel shortages during the cold winter.
• Prices rose, but wages remained low.
• Transport system broke down (railways and trains were used for war only).
• Common people—workers, peasants, and soldiers—suffered the most.

4. Role of Tsar Nicholas II

• The Tsar took personal command of the army (even though he had no military experience).
• People blamed him for:
• War failures.
• Mismanagement of food and economy.
• His popularity dropped sharply.

5. Growing Discontent

• Soldiers refused to fight.
• Workers went on strike.
• Peasants demanded land.
• The situation became out of control.

6. Result: Revolution Begins

• The war created the perfect conditions for revolution:
• Anger against the Tsar.
• Hunger and poverty.
• Support for socialist ideas.
• In February 1917, the first Russian Revolution began.

The February Revolution in Petrograd 

When Did It Happen?

• The February Revolution took place in February 1917.
• It started in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg), the capital of Russia then.

Why Did People Revolt? :1. Impact of World War I

• Russia suffered millions of deaths in the war.
• There were shortages of food and fuel.
• Prices rose, wages stayed low.
• People blamed the Tsar and his government for the crisis.

2. Harsh Winter and Food Shortage

• The winter of 1917 was very cold.
• Bread was scarce.
• Women had to stand in long queues to get food.

3. Discontent Among Soldiers and Workers

• Workers had terrible working conditions.
• Soldiers were tired of war and began to refuse orders.
• People were ready for change.

How Did the February Revolution Begin?

Key Events –                                         Step by Step

Date                                                 What Happened

22 Feb 1917 -         Factory owners locked out workers at a big factory. Workers began to protest.

23 Feb (International Women’s Day) - Women workers led a strike for bread and peace. Thousands                                                                                                             joined.

24–25 Feb - Strikes spread all over Petrograd. Workers, students, and even some soldiers joined.

27 Feb - Army refused to shoot the protestors. Some regiments mutinied (disobeyed orders) and joined                     the revolution.

2 March - Tsar Nicholas II abdicated (left the throne). The 300-year-old Romanov dynasty ended.

3.1 – After February (1917)

After the February Revolution, big changes happened in Russia — but the struggle was not over yet.

1. Fall of the Monarchy

• Tsar Nicholas II abdicated (left the throne) on 2 March 1917.
• This ended 300 years of Romanov dynasty rule.

2. Two Governments Were Formed :- After the Tsar left, power was shared between:

Government                           

Provisional Government

• Who Were They? :- Temporary government made up of moderate leaders (from middle class)
•  What They Did :- Promised elections and reforms

Petrograd Soviet

• Who Were They? :- A council of workers and soldiers' representatives
•  What They Did :- Demanded rights for workers, soldiers, and peasants

3. Workers and Soldiers Got Active

• They formed Soviets (local councils) all over Russia.
• Workers demanded better wages and working hours.
• Soldiers in the army began electing their own leaders.

4. Peasants and the Land Question

• Peasants wanted the land of nobles to be given to them.
• Many began seizing land on their own — even though the government said not to.

5. Problems with the Provisional Government

• The government was weak and unpopular because:
• It continued Russia’s involvement in World War I.
• It refused to give land to peasants.
• It did not improve food supply or workers’ lives.
• People started losing trust in it.

6. Rise of the Bolsheviks

• The Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, gained popularity.
• Lenin returned from exile in April 1917 and gave the April Theses:
• "Peace, Land, and Bread"
• End the war immediately
• Transfer land to peasants
• Power to the Soviets

3.2 – The Revolution of October 1917

After the February Revolution, the Provisional Government failed to solve major problems. This gave the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, a chance to take over.

1. Lenin’s Leadership

• 16 Octoober 1917, Bolshevik Party to agree to a socialist seizure of power.
• Military Revolutionary Committe was appointed by the Leon Trotskii.
• Lenin returned to Russia in April 1917 and gave the April Theses:
• End the war.
• Give land to peasants.
• Nationalize banks and factories.
• Power to the Soviets, not the Provisional Government.
• Slogan: "Peace, Land, and Bread"

2. Growing Support for the Bolsheviks

• Bolsheviks gained massive support from:
• Workers (wanted control of factories).
• Peasants (wanted land).
• Soldiers (wanted peace).
• Soviets (workers’ councils) started supporting Bolshevik ideas.

3. The October Revolution (24–25 October 1917)

• 24 October Prime Minister Kerenskii had left the city to summon troops
• Armed Bolshevik workers, called the Red Guards, took control of:
• Government offices,
• Railways, banks, and telegraph lines,
• Winter Palace (where the Provisional Government was based).
• The Provisional Government was overthrown without much bloodshed.
• Bolsheviks took power in Petrograd.

4. After the Revolution :- Lenin declared:

• Russia is now a socialist state.
• Land to peasants.
• Control of factories to workers.
• Banks, factories, and transport nationalized.

4 – What Changed After October? 

After the Bolsheviks took power in the October Revolution, they began transforming Russia into a socialist state. 

1. Immediate Changes Announced

• Land was declared the property of all people and given to peasants.
• Banks and large industries were nationalized (taken over by the government).
• Workers took control of factories.
• Church lands were seized.
• Banned  old titles of aristocracy.
•  New uniforms were disigned for the army and officials and compition organised in 1918 - when the Soviet hat ( budeonovka) was chosen.

2. Lenin Takes Control

• The Bolsheviks formed a new government called the Soviet Government.
• Lenin became the leader.
• They renamed themselves the Communist Party.

3. The Bolsheviks in Power

• The new government was based on Soviets (councils of workers and soldiers).
• They failed to gain majority support.
• January 1918 The Russian Parliament (Duma) was shut down.
• Only Communist Party members were allowed to stand in elections later.
• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (March 1918)
• Russia withdrew from World War I by signing this treaty with Germany.
• However, Russia lost a lot of land.
• The seceret police Called the "CHEKA", later OGPU and NKVD). punished those who criticised the Bolsheviks.

4.1 Civil War 

• Many people were against the Bolsheviks:
• Landowners, nobles, Tsar supporters, and foreign countries (like Britain and France).
• Organised troop to fight the Boldheviks Red, Whites and Green (Socialist Revolutionaries)
• They formed the “Whites”(Pro-Tsarist).
• The Bolsheviks (“Reds”) fought against them in a civil war.
• The Red Army, led by Leon Trotsky, won the war.

Harsh Measures by the Bolsheviks

• Started the policy of War Communism:
• They seized the land.
• January 1920 the Bolsheviks controlled most of the former Russian empire
• Cooperation with non-Russian nationalist and Muslim jadidists they succeeded.
• Government controlled all industries and food.
• Peasants were forced to give food to the army and cities.
• People who opposed were arrested, killed, or sent to labour camps.

7. Formation of the USSR (1922)

• After winning the civil war, the Bolsheviks formed the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).
• It was the world’s first socialist country.

4.2 – Making a Socialist Society

After the Bolsheviks came to power in the October Revolution of 1917, their goal was to build a socialist society.

a. Nationalization of Economy

• Banks, factories, railways, and other industries were taken over by the state.
• Private businesses were banned.
• Property (especially land) was taken from nobles and given to peasants.

b. Control Over Production

• Workers' committees were set up to run factories.
• The government decided how goods would be produced and distributed.
• Emphasis was on meeting the needs of all, not making profits.

c. Education and Equality

• Free education was given to all.
• Co-education (boys and girls studying together) was promoted.
• Churches were separated from schools and government.

d. Women’s Rights

• Equal rights for women in jobs and property.
• Women were encouraged to work in factories, farms, and offices.
• Crèches (childcare centers) were opened to support working women.

4.3 – Stalinism and Collectivisation 

After Lenin died in 1924, Joseph Stalin became the leader of the Soviet Union. He introduced strict policies to rapidly transform Russia into a modern industrial and agricultural power.

Who Was Stalin?

• Stalin was the leader of the Communist Party after Lenin.
• He believed in strong control, rapid industrial growth, and no opposition.

1. What is Collectivisation?

• It was a policy to combine small farms into large collective farms (called kolkhoz).
• The goal: Increase food production and bring agriculture under state control.

2. Why Was Collectivisation Introduced?

• Peasants didn’t want to sell grain to the government at low prices.
• This caused food shortages in cities.
• Stalin wanted control over farming like he had over industry.

3. Resistance and Harsh Measures

• Many wealthy peasants (kulaks) resisted collectivisation were severly punished.
• Confiscated (taken or seized) their land,
• Sent them to labour camps
• Used violence and terror to crush opposition.

5 – The Global Influence of the Russian Revolution and the USSR

 1. Inspiration Around the World

• The revolution gave hope to the poor and working class in many countries.
• People saw it as a successful fight against inequality and injustice.
• Socialist parties and worker movements grew stronger in many nations.
• Germany, Hungary, and Italy: Workers tried to start revolutions like in Russia (some failed, some created short-lived governments).

2. USSR as a Model

• The USSR became the first socialist state and acted as a model for others.
• Many countries admired its:
• Rapid industrialisation
• Equality for workers and women
• Free education and health care

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