Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

Class 9 – History: 
Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

Introduction

If there’s one ideology and event that changed the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, it’s Socialism and its real-world expression — the Russian Revolution. This was not just about replacing one ruler with another. It was a powerful story of exploitation under industrial capitalism, the rise of organised workers and peasants, and the creation of a new socio-economic order.

The Russian Revolution sent a strong message — when people unite under a clear vision, they can transform history.

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1. Historical Background

French Revolution (1789) brought the ideals of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, inspiring political change across Europe.

Industrial Revolution (18th–19th centuries) increased production but worsened working-class life.

Growing gap: Bourgeoisie (rich capitalists) vs Proletariat (working class).

Birth of Socialism: Advocated collective ownership of production to ensure equality.

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2. Political Ideologies in Europe

(a) Liberals

Religious tolerance, representative government.

Limited voting rights for property-owning men.

Rule of law, individual freedom.

(b) Radicals

Universal suffrage, equality in society.

State control over big industries.

(c) Conservatives

Preserve traditions and old institutions.

Gradual change, not sudden revolutions.

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3. Rise of Socialism

After industrialisation, factory workers faced:

12–16 hours daily labour.

Low wages, unsafe conditions.

No social security.

Key Thinkers:

Karl Marx: History is class struggle; capitalism will collapse; workers must lead socialism.

Friedrich Engels: Co-authored Communist Manifesto (1848), key labour movement leader.

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4. Russia Before the Revolution

(a) Tsarist Rule

Absolute power of Tsar Nicholas II.

No political freedom, heavy peasant taxes.

(b) Industrialisation

Expanded after 1890; poor working conditions.

(c) Public Discontent

Economic inequality, political repression.

World War I losses worsened misery.

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5. The 1905 Revolution

Bloody Sunday (22 Jan 1905): Peaceful protest in St Petersburg fired upon — hundreds killed.

Result: Worker strikes, peasant uprisings, Tsar promised a Duma (parliament).

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6. The February Revolution (1917)

Causes:

War defeats, food shortages, inflation.

Worker and soldier discontent.

Events:

Strikes and protests in Petrograd.

Soldiers joined the uprising.

Tsar abdicated; provisional government formed.

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7. The October Revolution (1917)

Leader: Vladimir Lenin, Bolshevik Party

Slogans: All power to the Soviets, Peace, Land, Bread

Events:

25 October 1917: Bolsheviks overthrew provisional government.

Birth of the world’s first socialist state.

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8. Soviet Government Policies

Land reforms: Peasants got land.

Nationalisation: Industries, banks under state control.

Planned economy: Five-Year Plans to boost production.

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9. Results and Impact

In Russia:

• End of Tsarism.

• Expansion of education, healthcare, and social security.

In the World:

• Socialism spread globally.
• Inspired anti-colonial movements (including India).

• Labour reforms in capitalist countries.

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10. Criticisms and Limitations

• Loss of political freedoms.

• One-party dictatorship, suppression of dissent.

• Economic growth but also fear and discontent.

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Conclusion

The Russian Revolution proved that organised, determined movements can create a new socio-economic order. While the Soviet model had flaws, it demonstrated the possibility of planned development, equality, and social welfare.

Important questions

1. What were the viewpoints of the liberals?

2. What were the viewpoints of the radicals?

3. What were the viewpoints of the conservatives?

4. What changes did industrialization bring to society at that time?

5. What solutions did radicals and liberals find to the problems of the industrial society?

6. To what changes did the socialists campaign for? (Explain the views of Socialists on private property)

7. What were the different visions of socialism?

8. What was the Second International?

9. What were the efforts made to support the ideas of socialism in Europe by the 1870s?

10. What were the political, economic and social conditions in Russia by the year 1914?

11. How were the peasants in Russia different from those of other European countries?

12. How were the workers in Russia different from those of other European countries?

13. How did Russian peasants become natural socialists?

14. In what ways were Social Democrats and Socialist Revolutionaries different in their approach?

15. What were the events preceding the 1905 Revolution?

16. What was ‘Bloody Sunday’?

17. Explain the results of the 1905 Revolution.

OR

Describe any two reforms introduced by Czar Nicholas II after the 1905 Revolution.

18. What were the conditions in Russia during the First World War?

OR

What was the impact of the First World War on Russian industries?

19. Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?

20. What were the effects of the February Revolution?

21. Who were the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks?

22. Trace the developments in Russia after the February Revolution.

23. What were the ‘April Theses’?

24. How did the Bolsheviks organize the October Revolution?

OR

What were the events preceding the October Revolution?

25. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?

OR

What were the effects of the October Revolution?

26. Examine the circumstances that led to the Civil War in Russia after the October Revolution.

27. What were the effects of establishing a socialist society in Russia?

28. What were the emergency measures adopted by Stalin?

29. Write a short note on the Collectivisation programme of Stalin.

30. Explain the global influence of the Russian Revolution and the USSR.

31. Name the person responsible for the Italian Unification.

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Answer

1. Viewpoints of the Liberals

• Supported individual rights and freedom of speech.
• Favoured parliamentary government and constitutional monarchy.
• Believed in religious tolerance but voting rights only for propertied men.

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2. Viewpoints of the Radicals

• Wanted universal suffrage for all men.
• Supported a government accountable to the people.
• Favoured state control over major industries for reducing inequality.

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3. Viewpoints of the Conservatives

• Wanted to preserve old traditions like monarchy and church.
• Opposed sudden change, but accepted gradual reforms.

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4. Changes Brought by Industrialisation

• Rise of industries and factories.
• Creation of two new classes — bourgeoisie (capitalists) and proletariat (workers).
• Long working hours, low wages, unsafe conditions.
• Urbanisation and overcrowded cities.

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5. Solutions Found by Radicals and Liberals

• Radicals: wanted state intervention and social equality.
• Liberals: supported private property but demanded reforms like laws for better working conditions.

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6. Changes Campaigned by Socialists (Views on Private Property)

• Opposed private property as a source of exploitation.
• Wanted means of production (land, factories) under social control.
• Aimed at equality and welfare of all.

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7. Different Visions of Socialism

• Cooperative Socialism: Small groups running farms/industries collectively.
• Revolutionary Socialism (Marx): End of capitalism, workers to overthrow rulers, society based on collective ownership.

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8. The Second International

• Formed in 1889 by socialist groups.
• International body to coordinate socialist movements and spread ideas.

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9. Efforts to Support Socialism by 1870s

• Formation of socialist associations in many countries.
• Workers’ strikes and unions grew.
• Political parties of workers started emerging.

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10. Conditions in Russia by 1914

• Political: Absolute monarchy under Tsar Nicholas II.
• Economic: Poor industrial growth, food shortages, heavy taxation.
• Social: Inequality, peasants burdened with rent and dues, workers exploited.

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11. Russian Peasants vs European Peasants

• Russian peasants: deeply religious, had communal land ownership (mir system).
• European peasants: more individualistic, worked on their own private lands.

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12. Russian Workers vs European Workers

• Russian workers: lacked legal unions, frequently went on strikes.
• European workers: more organised, had some political rights and unions.

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13. Why Russian Peasants Became Natural Socialists

• Used to collective ownership of land.
• Believed land should belong to those who cultivated it.

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14. Social Democrats vs Socialist Revolutionaries

• Social Democrats (Marxists): Wanted workers to lead revolution.
• Socialist Revolutionaries: Represented peasants, wanted redistribution of land.

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15. Events Preceding 1905 Revolution

• Defeat in Russo-Japanese War (1904).
• Rising food prices and poor working conditions.
• Workers organised strikes and protests.

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16. Bloody Sunday

• On 22 Jan 1905, peaceful workers marched to the Winter Palace, St Petersburg, to present petitions.
• Troops fired, killing hundreds.
• This shook people’s faith in the Tsar.

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17. Results of the 1905 Revolution

• Tsar created the Duma (parliament).
• Limited civil liberties were granted.
• Still, autocracy largely continued.

(Alternative: Reforms — constitution, limited freedom, Duma formed.)

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18. Conditions During First World War

• Severe food shortages and inflation.
• Factories collapsed, industries failed.
• Soldiers and workers faced starvation.

(Alternative: Industries broke down due to shortage of raw materials.)

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19. Why Tsarist Autocracy Collapsed in 1917

• War defeats, economic hardships.
• Food shortages, worker strikes.
• Loss of support from army and peasants.
• February Revolution forced Tsar to abdicate.

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20. Effects of February Revolution

• End of monarchy.
• Provisional Government formed.
• Soviets of workers and soldiers gained power locally.

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21. Bolsheviks and Mensheviks

• Both were factions of the Russian Social Democratic Workers’ Party.
• Bolsheviks (Lenin): Small disciplined party, immediate revolution.
• Mensheviks: Believed in mass membership and gradual reforms.

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22. Developments After February Revolution

• Tsar abdicated; provisional government formed.
• Soviets gained popularity.
• Provisional government unpopular due to war continuation and food shortages.

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23. April Theses (Lenin, 1917)

• End of war.
• Transfer of power to Soviets.
• Nationalisation of banks and land redistribution.
• Slogan: Peace, Land, Bread.

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24. Organisation of October Revolution

• Bolsheviks gained majority in Petrograd and Moscow Soviets.
• Red Guards stormed Winter Palace on 25 October 1917.
• Provisional government overthrown.

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25. Main Changes After October Revolution

• Land given to peasants.
• Industries and banks nationalised.
• Equality of men and women declared.
• Russia became a one-party socialist state.

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26. Civil War in Russia

• Non-Bolsheviks, landlords, supporters of Tsar, and foreign powers opposed revolution.
• Red Army (Bolsheviks) vs White Army (opponents).
• Civil war from 1918–1920.

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27. Effects of Socialist Society

• Land reforms, end of private property in production.
• Expansion of education, healthcare.
• Planned industrialisation.

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28. Emergency Measures by Stalin

• Collectivisation of farms.
• Five-Year Plans.
• Strict control over workers and resources.

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29. Collectivisation Programme

• Introduced in 1929 by Stalin.
• Individual farms merged into large collective farms (kolkhoz).
• Peasants forced to work collectively with modern machinery.

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30. Global Influence of Russian Revolution

• Spread of socialism worldwide.
• Inspired anti-colonial struggles (India, China, Vietnam).
• Labour reforms introduced in capitalist countries.
• Ideological divide: capitalism vs socialism.

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31. Person Responsible for Italian Unification

• Giuseppe Garibaldi (military leader).
• Supported by Cavour and King Victor Emmanuel II.

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💡 Tip for Students: If you memorise this summary + Q&A, you’ll be prepared to answer almost all exam questions from this chapter.

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