What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
(a) Social condition:
1. The society was divided into two classes-the privileged and the non-privileged.
(b) Economic condition:
1. Russia was facing an economic crisis at this time as the prices of necessity goods were decreased by 20% due to the St. Petersburg strike. This event has given rise to the 1905 revolution, and working class across Russia called for various strikes.
2. Unions were formed, and universities also shut down during this period.
(c) Political condition:
1. The Russian policy was feudal.
2. Vast tracts of land were held tax free by the clergy and the nobility who also monopolized the high posts in the army and administration.
3. Before 1914, the political parties were illegal in Russia. Labour Democratic Party was formed in 1903, which later divided into two groups namely The Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks.
4. The new middle class which was slowly emerging in Russia began to make strident demands for some representative government to be formed where access to high posts would be given by birth. The administration was also riddled with corruption and was inefficient.
In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe before 1917?
The Russian working class was very different from other parts of Europe.
1. The Russian economy was agriculture-based, and not many of them migrated to towns before 1917. Those who worked in other industries used to travel daily from villages to towns.
2. Women were paid lower compared to their European counterparts.
3. Working day in Russia was 15 hours which was completely changed by legislation in Europe.
Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
1. The people of Russia lost faith in their king, and there was chaos and mistrust among the common people.
2. The policies implemented by the Tsar proved inefficient, and people were dissatisfied with the Tsar’s policies.
3. The Tsar not only imposed his policies on Russians but imposed several restrictions on the people.
4. Political activities were completely oppressed, and the voting rights were taken away, and nobody was allowed to question the policies implemented by Nicolas II (Tsar). He also dismissed the first Duma within 75 days.
5. The Tsar did not consult the Duma and took decisions on his own during the First World War, which resulted in massive casualties.
6. Crops were burnt which created a shortage of food for the Russian soldiers.
All these incidents resulted in the collapse of Tsarist autocracy.
Make two lists: one with the main events and the effects of the February Revolution and the other with the main events and effects of the October Revolution. Write a paragraph on who was involved in each, who were the leaders and what the impact of each was on Soviet history.
A. List of the February Revolution-Events and Effects:
(a) In February 1917, there was a huge food shortage for the workers.
(b) The Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II dismissed the Duma without consulting the parliamentarians.
(c) On 22nd February, a lockout took place at a factory on the right bank of River Neva.
(d) On 23rd February 1917, workers in fifty factories called a strike in sympathy with the factory workers of the River Neva.
(e) In many factories, women led the way to strikes. This came to be called the International Women's Day.
The February Revolution resulted in the abdication of the Tsarist rule, and a Provisional Government of Russia was formed by the Soviet and Duma leaders.
B. Events and Effects of Revolution of October 1917:
(a) As the conflict between the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks grew, Lenin feared the Provisional Government would set up a dictatorship.
(b) In September 1917, Lenin started discussions for an uprising against the government. Bolshevik supporters in the arm Soviets and factories were brought together.
(c) On 16th October 1917, Lenin persuades the Petrograd Soviet and the Bolshevik Party to agree to a socialist seizure of power. A Military Revolutionary Committee was appointed by the Soviet under Leon Trotsky to organize the seizure. The date of the event was kept a secret.
(d) The uprising began on 24th October sensing trouble, Prime Minister Kerensky had left the city to summon troops which later seize the government offices and arrest ministers.
(e) In the years that followed, the Bolsheviks became the only party to participate in the elections to the All Russian Congress of Soviet which became the Parliament of the country.
What was the main change brought about by the Bolshevik immediately after the October Revolution?
The main changes brought about b the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution were:
(a) The Congress of Soviets on 8th November 1917 proclaimed to all peoples belligerent states to open negotiations for a just peace without annexation and indemnities Russia withdrew from the war, though a formal peace treaty was signed with Germany later, after ceding the territories that Germany demanded as a price for peace.
(b) Following the declaration on land, the estate of the landlords, the church, and the Tsar was confiscated and given to peasants.
(c) A Declaration of the Rights of Peoples was issued conferring the right of self-determination upon all nationalities.
(d) A new government called the Council of People's Commissioners, headed by Lenin was formed.
(e) Banks and industries were nationalized, and old noble titles were banned, and new uniforms were designed for the army.
Write a few lines to show what you know about:
(a) Kulaks
(b) The Duma,
(c) Women workers between 1900 and 1930
(d) The Liberals
(e) Stalin’s collectivization program
(a) Kulaks: This term was used for the wealthy peasants of Russia. Kulaks had larger farms than most Russian peasants, and they were partially responsible for food shortage in 1927-28 as Stalin believed that Kulaks were indulged in hoarding grains to earn more profits. Stalin later eliminated Kulaks to develop modern farming techniques.
(b) Duma: Duma was Russian assembly which was assigned legislative functions. During the Revolution of 1905, the Tsar elected the first State Duma for the Russian empire.
(c) Women workers between 1900 and 1930: By 1914, more than 30% of women started working in the industries. On 22nd February 1917, many women became the leaders in organizing strikes in factories. This day was later named the International Women's Day. They joined trade unions and political organizations. Women had a major role to play in Russia as they helped the male workers in both revolutions - The February and October Revolution. After the introduction of the new constitution in USSR, the women workers were given equal political, social and economic rights.
(d) Liberals: The Liberals were the group that wanted to change society and wanted a secular nation. They also worked to safeguard the rights of individuals against the government. They advocated for an elected parliamentary government but did not believe in Universal Adult Franchise. They believed only men of property should be given the right to vote. However, they were against giving voting rights to women.
(e) Stalin’s collectivization program: From 1928 to 1940, the Soviet Union of Russia imposed collectivization of agricultural units under the control of Joseph Stalin. It began in 1929 and was a five-year plan. The peasants were forced to cultivate in the collective farms. Many peasants protested against it and burnt their livestock to show their anger. The result of collectivization varied from what was desired, and it even turned worse in the consequent years.