Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution History Chapter 2 Notes

Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution ||History|| Chapter 2 Notes

The Age of Social Change

  1. French Revolution’s Impact: The French Revolution opened up the possibility of dramatic changes in society, inspiring debates about individual rights and social power across Europe and Asia.
  2. Emergence of Socialism: Socialism became a significant and powerful idea, especially after the Russian Revolution, which aimed to create a society based on equality and the well-being of workers and peasants.
  3. Political Ideologies:
    • Liberals: Advocated for a government based on the majority’s will, with a representative parliamentary system and an independent judiciary. They supported individual freedoms but did not favor universal suffrage.
    • Radicals: Wanted a government by the majority of the population, supported women’s suffrage, and opposed the privileges of landowners and wealthy industrialists.
    • Conservatives: Initially opposed to change, but by the 19th century, they accepted the need for gradual change to preserve traditions.
  4. Industrial Society and Social Change: The Industrial Revolution led to significant social and economic changes, including the rise of new cities and industrial regions, long working hours, poor wages, and unemployment during low demand periods.

The Russian Revolution 

  1. Background:

    • Autocratic Rule: Russia was under the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, with widespread discontent among the people due to political repression and economic hardship.
    • Economic and Social Conditions: The majority of Russians were peasants living in poverty, while industrial workers faced harsh working conditions and low wages.

  2. Key Events:

    • February Revolution (1917): Triggered by food shortages and military defeats in World War I, this revolution led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government.
    • October Revolution (1917): Led by the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin, this revolution overthrew the provisional government and established a communist government.

  3. Bolshevik Policies:

    • Land Redistribution: Land was redistributed to peasants.
    • Nationalization of Industries: Factories and banks were nationalized.
    • Peace with Germany: The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed, ending Russia’s involvement in World War I.

  4. Civil War and Aftermath:

    • Civil War (1918-1921): The Bolsheviks (Reds) fought against the anti-Bolshevik forces (Whites) and emerged victorious.
    • Formation of the USSR: In 1922, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was established.

  5. Impact:

    • Global Influence: The Russian Revolution inspired communist movements worldwide.
    • Economic and Social Changes: It led to significant changes in Russian society, including the promotion of education and women’s rights.

The February Revolution in Petrograd

  1. Background:

    • Economic Hardships: Severe food shortages and harsh winter conditions in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) led to widespread discontent.
    • Political Discontent: The autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II faced increasing opposition.

  2. Key Events:

    • Strikes and Protests: On February 22, 1917, workers from 50 factories went on strike. Women led many of these strikes, marking International Women’s Day.
    • Government Response: The government called in troops and imposed a curfew, but the protests continued to grow.
    • Formation of Soviets: Striking workers and soldiers formed the Petrograd Soviet, a council to represent their interests.
    • Abdication of Tsar: On March 2, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, ending centuries of Romanov rule.

  3. Outcome:

    • Provisional Government: A Provisional Government was established by leaders from the Duma and the Petrograd Soviet to govern Russia until a Constituent Assembly could be elected.

 The Revolution of October 1917

  1. Background:

    • Provisional Government: After the February Revolution, the Provisional Government was established but failed to address key issues like land reforms and ending the war.
    • Bolshevik Influence: The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, gained support by promising “Peace, Land, and Bread.”

  2. Key Events:

    • Planning the Uprising: The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin and Trotsky, planned an armed uprising against the Provisional Government.
    • Seizure of Power: On October 25, 1917, Bolshevik forces took control of key government buildings in Petrograd, including the Winter Palace.
    • Overthrow of the Provisional Government: The Provisional Government was overthrown, and the Bolsheviks declared a new government led by Lenin.

  3. Outcomes:

    • Establishment of Soviet Rule: The Bolsheviks established a communist government, leading to the creation of the Soviet Union.
    • Civil War: The revolution led to a civil war between the Bolsheviks (Reds) and anti-Bolshevik forces (Whites), which lasted until 1921.

The Civil War

  1. Background:

    • Bolshevik Policies: After the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks implemented radical changes, including land redistribution and nationalization of industries.
    • Opposition: These policies faced opposition from various groups, including non-Bolshevik socialists, liberals, and supporters of the old Tsarist regime.

  2. Key Events:

    • Formation of the Red Army: The Bolsheviks organized the Red Army to defend their government.
    • Opposition Forces: The anti-Bolshevik forces, known as the Whites, included monarchists, nationalists, and foreign powers like France, Britain, and Japan.
    • Major Battles: The civil war saw numerous battles across Russia, with significant fighting in cities like Moscow and Petrograd.

  3. Outcome:

    • Bolshevik Victory: The Red Army, led by Leon Trotsky, eventually defeated the White forces.
    • Establishment of Soviet Rule: The victory solidified Bolshevik control and led to the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1922.

Making a Socialist Society

  1. Bolshevik Vision:

    • Abolition of Private Property: The Bolsheviks aimed to abolish private property and create a classless society.
    • Nationalization: Industries, banks, and land were nationalized to be controlled by the state.

  2. Economic Changes:

    • Five-Year Plans: Introduced to promote rapid industrialization and increase production.
    • Collectivization of Agriculture: Small farms were consolidated into large, state-controlled farms to increase agricultural productivity.

  3. Social Changes:

    • Education and Literacy: Emphasis on education to create an informed and skilled workforce.
    • Women’s Rights: Women were granted equal rights, including the right to work and access to education.

  4. Challenges:

    • Resistance: There was significant resistance from peasants and others who opposed collectivization and state control.
    • Economic Hardships: The rapid changes led to economic difficulties and shortages.

Global Influence

  1. Spread of Socialist Ideas: The Russian Revolution inspired the formation of communist parties in many countries, including the Communist Party of Great Britain.
  2. Support for Anti-Colonial Movements: The Bolsheviks encouraged colonial peoples to follow their example, promoting the idea of a workers’ state.
  3. International Organizations: The Bolsheviks established the Comintern (Communist International) to unite pro-Bolshevik socialist parties worldwide.
  4. Educational Influence: Many non-Russians attended institutions like the Communist University of the Workers of the East in the USSR.
  5. Impact on Global Politics: The revolution gave socialism a global face and stature, influencing political movements and ideologies around the world.