1. What were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Socially, Russia had a rigid class structure with a large peasantry suffering under feudal-like conditions.
Economically, the country lagged in industrialization, relying heavily on agriculture with widespread poverty.
Politically, Russia was an autocracy under Tsar Nicholas II, with limited political freedoms and widespread dissatisfaction.
2. In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?
Answer. The Russian working population had fewer rights and harsher working conditions. Industrialization was late, leading to rapid urbanization without proper infrastructure. Workers had little political representation and were heavily influenced by revolutionary ideologies.
3. Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
Answer. The Tsarist autocracy collapsed due to widespread discontent from military failures in WWI, economic hardships, and the influence of revolutionary groups. The inability of Tsar Nicholas II to implement meaningful reforms and the loss of support from the military and elites also contributed.
4. Main events and effects of the February and October Revolutions:
Answer. February Revolution: Main Events: Strikes and protests in Petrograd, soldiers mutiny, the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
Effects: End of the Tsarist regime, establishment of the Provisional Government.
October Revolution:
Main Events: Bolsheviks led by Lenin seized key government buildings, and overthrew the Provisional Government.
Effects: The establishment of Bolshevik control and the start of the Russian Civil War.
The February Revolution involved the masses, particularly workers and soldiers, with leaders like Alexander Kerensky.
It resulted in the fall of the Tsar and the formation of the Provisional Government
The Bolsheviks under Lenin and Trotsky led the October Revolution, involving the seizure of power from the Provisional Government.
It marked the beginning of Soviet rule and led to major changes in Russian society and governance, laying the foundation for the USSR.
5. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
Answer. The Bolsheviks nationalized land and industry, pulling Russia out of WWI through the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
They established a one-party state and began the redistribution of land to peasants.
Workers were given control over factories, and political opponents were suppressed.
6. Write a few lines to show what you know about:
Kulaks: Kulaks were relatively affluent farmers in Russia. Under Stalin, they were targeted during the collectivization campaigns, labelled as class enemies, and many were deported or executed.
The Duma: The Duma was the Russian legislative assembly established after the 1905 Revolution. It was intended to be a representative body, but its powers were limited by the Tsar, leading to continued dissatisfaction and unrest.
Here is a rewritten version of the content on each topic, aiming for a human-like tone with original, plagiarism-free text and proper grammar:
Women Workers Between 1900 and 1930
From 1900 to 1930, the role of women in the workforce underwent significant changes. As World War I erupted, many women found themselves stepping into jobs traditionally held by men, particularly in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. This shift was largely due to the massive labor shortage caused by men leaving for the front lines. For the first time, women worked in roles that showcased their capabilities beyond domestic duties. Despite their vital contributions, women still faced substantial barriers, including lower pay than their male counterparts and harsh working conditions. After the war, while some women returned to traditional roles at home, others continued to seek employment, laying the foundation for the future fight for gender equality in the workplace. This era marked a turning point, sparking greater awareness and activism around women’s rights, including better pay, safer working environments, and broader social recognition.
The Liberals: In the early 20th century, the Liberals were a political force advocating for societal reforms and modernization. Liberal parties, especially in Europe, were known for supporting individual rights, free markets, and democratic governance. In the United Kingdom, the Liberal Party was instrumental in introducing key social reforms that would become the bedrock of the modern welfare state. They implemented policies like old-age pensions, national insurance, and unemployment benefits, which aimed to improve living conditions for the working class while maintaining economic stability. The Liberals sought to strike a balance between progress and tradition, advocating for change that would benefit society as a whole without causing economic upheaval. Their vision helped shape a more inclusive, equitable society, paving the way for future social and political developments.
Stalin’s Collectivization Program:
(i) Stalin enforced a policy that required all peasants to work on collective farms known as kolkhozes. The majority of farmland and farming equipment was transferred from individual ownership to these collective farms. The peasants worked together on these lands, and any profits made by the kolkhoz were distributed among the workers.
(ii) The policy was met with strong resistance from many peasants, who were outraged by the forced collectivization. In defiance, they destroyed their livestock, leading to a significant decrease in the number of cattle. Between 1929 and 1931, the cattle population plummeted by about one-third.
(iii) Those who opposed the collectivization efforts faced harsh reprisals. Many were deported or sent into exile as punishment for their resistance.
(iv) The peasants who resisted argued that they were not wealthy landowners and did not oppose socialism itself. Their objection stemmed from a reluctance to work on collective farms for various reasons, including personal preference and dissatisfaction with the system.
(v) While Stalin’s government eventually permitted some forms of private farming, those who chose to cultivate their land independently were often treated harshly and faced significant obstacles.