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Socialism in Europe and the Russia - NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science History

Socialism-in-europe-and-the-russia-ncert-solutions
Socialism-in-europe-and-the-russia-ncert-solutions

Socialism in Europe and the Russia - NCERT Solutions for Class 9

Dive into the dramatic story of how the Russian Empire crumbled and socialism rose to power! This chapter takes you through the chaos of 19th-century Europe — where liberals, conservatives, and socialists battled over the future of society. Discover how ordinary Russians, worn down by war, hunger, and injustice, sparked the powerful February and October Revolutions of 1917. Meet Lenin and the Bolsheviks as they overthrow the Tsar and build the world’s first communist state. From peasant uprisings to factory strikes and Stalin’s ruthless collectivisation, this chapter reveals how revolution transformed Russia — and influenced the world.

chapter - 2 | notes
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 History Chapter 2 – Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution (2025 Edition)

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 History Chapter 2 – Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution (2025 Edition)

📄 Chapter 2 – NCERT Solutions

Q1. What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
Answer:
Before 1905, Russia was one of the most economically and socially backward countries in Europe. The conditions were as follows:
1. Social Conditions:
  1. Agrarian Society:

    • About 85% of the Russian population lived in villages and earned their livelihood from agriculture, which was a much higher proportion than in most European countries.
  2. Religious Composition:

    • The majority religion was Russian Orthodox Christianity, which had grown out of the Greek Orthodox Church.
    • The empire also included Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and Buddhists.
  3. Unequal Treatment of Nationalities:

    • The non-Russian nationalities were not treated as equals to the Russian population.
    • They were often denied the freedom to follow their own culture and language.
  4. Worker Divisions:

    • Workers were divided by skill and training.
    • Metalworkers considered themselves aristocrats among workers because of their higher skill levels.
  5. Women's Condition:

    • Women made up 31% of the factory labour force by 1914.
    • They were paid less than men, earning only half or three-quarters of a man’s wage.
  6. Peasant Communities:

    • Russian peasants often pooled their land in communes (mir).
    • Land was redistributed based on the needs of individual families.
2. Economic Conditions:
  1. Limited Industrial Development:

    • Industrialisation was confined to a few areas like St Petersburg and Moscow.
    • The rest of the empire remained agricultural and backward.
  2. Private Ownership:

    • Most industries were privately owned.
    • Though the government supervised large factories, rules were often violated.
  3. Poor Working Conditions:

    • In small workshops, working hours stretched to 15 hours, while in large factories it was 10–12 hours.
    • Workers lived in overcrowded dormitories or rented rooms, often in poor conditions.
  4. Grain Exporter:

    • Russia was a major exporter of grain.
    • Peasants produced grain for both the market and their own needs.
3. Political Conditions:
  1. Absolute Monarchy:

    • Russia was an autocracy ruled by Tsar Nicholas II.
    • The Tsar was not answerable to any parliament, unlike rulers in most European countries.
  2. No Political Freedom:

    • All political parties were illegal before 1914.
    • Dissent and opposition were crushed by the government.
  3. Suppression of Workers' Movements:

    • Workers’ strikes and socialist activities were crushed by police.
    • Some underground revolutionary groups still operated in secret.
Q2. In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?
Answer:
Before 1917, the working population in Russia was different from that of other European countries in several important ways:
  1. Mostly Agrarian Society:

    • In Russia, around 85% of the population were agriculturists, compared to only 40–50% in countries like France and Germany.
    • This meant that industrial workers formed a much smaller part of the population than in most of Europe.
  2. Strong Links to Villages:

    • Many workers in Russia had not permanently shifted to cities. Some continued to live in villages and commuted to towns for factory work.
    • This made them socially and professionally divided, unlike the more urbanised and settled workers in other European nations.
  3. Divisions Among Workers:

    • Russian workers were divided by skill and training. For example, metalworkers were regarded as the “aristocrats” of the working class due to their higher expertise.
    • These divisions were visible in their clothing, speech, and attitudes.
  4. Fewer Rights and Organisations:

    • In Russia, all political parties and trade unions were illegal before 1914, limiting workers' ability to organise legally.
    • In contrast, European workers had more legal trade unions, political representation, and labour reforms by this time.
  5. Harsh Working Conditions:

    • Russian workers faced long working hours (up to 15 hours), poor wages, and unsanitary living conditions.
    • European workers by then had started to receive better working conditions, regulated hours, and some welfare measures.
  6. Despite Divisions, Workers United for Strikes:

    • Although divided, Russian workers often came together to strike against poor working conditions.
    • This was especially seen in the textile and metal industries (e.g., strikes in 1896–1897 and 1902).
Q3. Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
Answer:
The Tsarist autocracy collapsed in February 1917 due to a combination of political repression, military failures, economic hardship, and a sudden popular uprising.
  1. Unpopular Autocratic Rule:

    • Tsar Nicholas II ruled as an autocrat and refused to share power with the elected Duma.
    • All political parties were illegal, and civil liberties were denied, causing frustration among workers and peasants.
  2. Impact of the First World War:

    • Russia faced shocking military defeats with over 7 million casualties by 1917.
    • The army destroyed crops and buildings while retreating, causing the displacement of over 3 million refugees.
    • Anti-German sentiment grew as people resented Tsarina Alexandra’s German background and her poor advisors like Rasputin.
  3. Economic Collapse and Food Shortage:

    • Russia’s industries shut down due to war and lack of raw materials.
    • Railways failed, and cities faced labour shortages.
    • By winter 1916, bread became scarce, and people rioted at food shops.
  4. The February Uprising in Petrograd:

    • On 22 February 1917, a lockout at a factory on the right bank of the Neva led to strikes in over 50 factories.
    • Women workers led processions on International Women’s Day demanding bread and better conditions.
    • The government imposed a curfew, but protests intensified.
    • On 25 February, the Duma was suspended, sparking massive demonstrations.
  5. Army Joins the Revolution:

    • Police headquarters were ransacked, and soldiers refused to fire on protestors.
    • On 27 February, many regiments mutinied and joined workers.
    • Together, they formed the Petrograd Soviet in the same building where the Duma met.
  6. Abdication of the Tsar:

    • On 2 March 1917, a delegation approached the Tsar.
    • Military commanders advised him to abdicate, and he agreed.
    • The Soviet and Duma leaders together formed a Provisional Government, ending the Tsarist autocracy.
Q4. 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 was the impact of each on Soviet history.
🗓️ February Revolution – Events and Effects

Date Main Events
22 February Factory lockout on the right bank of River Neva
23 February Sympathy strike by workers; International Women’s Day protests
24–25 February Mass demonstrations; workers cross to city centre; curfew imposed
25 February Duma suspended by Tsar; protests intensified
27 February Police Headquarters ransacked; soldiers mutinied and joined workers
2 March,1917 Tsar abdicated; Provisional Government formed by Soviet and Duma leaders
Effects of the February Revolution:
  1. End of Tsarist autocracy
  2. Formation of Provisional Government
  3. Trade unions grew, restrictions on public meetings were lifted
  4. New system of Soviets (workers’ councils) emerged across Russia

🗓️ October Revolution – Events and Effects

Date Main Events
16 October Lenin persuaded Petrograd Soviet and Bolsheviks to plan armed uprising
24 October Uprising began; Bolsheviks seized government offices
25 October Winter Palace shelled; Provisional Government ministers arrested
26 October Congress of Soviets approved Bolshevik takeover
Effects of the October Revolution:
  1. Industries and banks nationalised
  2. Land declared social property
  3. Russia became a one-party state under Communist Party (Bolshevik)
  4. End of the Provisional Government

Who Was Involved , who were the leaders and What Was the Impact?

February Revolution:
  1. Involved: Factory workers, women workers, mutinous soldiers, Duma and Soviet leaders
  2. Leader: No single party led the uprising — it was a spontaneous people’s movement
  3. Impact: Brought an end to the monarchy; Petrograd Soviet and Provisional Government shared power

October Revolution:
  1. Involved: Bolsheviks, Petrograd Soviet, soldiers, factory workers
  2. Led by: Vladimir Lenin, with support from Leon Trotskii and the Military Revolutionary Committee
  3. Impact: Bolsheviks seized power; Russia became a socialist state governed by the Communist Party
Q5. What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
Answer:
After the October Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks introduced sweeping changes to restructure Russian society along socialist lines:
  1. Nationalisation of Economy:

    • Industries and banks were nationalised, meaning they were brought under government ownership and management.
    • This ended capitalist control over production and distribution.
  2. Redistribution of Land:

    • Land was declared social property, and peasants were allowed to seize the land of the nobility.
    • This addressed the long-standing demands of the rural population.
  3. Urban Reforms:

    • In cities, large houses were partitioned based on family needs.
    • The use of aristocratic titles was banned to eliminate class distinctions.
  4. Uniforms and Identity:

    • New uniforms were designed for the army and officials.
    • The iconic Soviet hat (budeonovka) was introduced in 1918 through a public design competition.
  5. Political Reorganisation:

    • The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik).
    • The Constituent Assembly, where Bolsheviks lacked majority, was dismissed in January 1918.
    • The All Russian Congress of Soviets became the new Parliament.
    • Russia became a one-party state, with no space for opposition.
  6. Withdrawal from World War I:

    • In March 1918, the Bolsheviks signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany.
    • This officially marked Russia’s withdrawal from World War I.
  7. Control and Censorship:

    • Trade unions were brought under party control.
    • A secret police force (Cheka, later OGPU and NKVD) was created to punish those who criticised the party.
    • Writers and artists initially supported the Bolsheviks, but many were later disillusioned by censorship.
Q6. Write a few lines to show what you know about:
  1. Kulaks
  2. The Duma
  3. Women workers between 1900 and 1930
  4. The Liberals
  5. Stalin’s collectivisation programme
  1. Kulaks

    • Kulaks were wealthier peasants in Russia, accused of hoarding grain to raise prices.
    • During Stalin’s collectivisation programme, they were targeted as enemies of socialism.
    • Their land was seized, and many were arrested, exiled, or executed to make way for large, state-controlled farms.
  2. The Duma

    • The Duma was an elected consultative Parliament created by the Tsar after the 1905 Revolution.
    • Tsar Nicholas II frequently dismissed it whenever it opposed his authority.
    • After the February 1917 Revolution, Duma leaders helped form the Provisional Government.
  3. Women workers between 1900 and 1930

    • By 1914, women made up 31% of Russia’s factory workforce.
    • They were paid only half or three-quarters of a man’s wage for the same work.
    • On 23 February 1917 (International Women’s Day), women workers led a historic strike demanding bread and peace, which triggered the February Revolution.
    • Many women later worked on collective farms during the 1930s under Stalin.
  4. The Liberals

    • Liberals were reformists who wanted a nation based on individual rights and laws.
    • They supported a parliamentary form of government, religious tolerance, and freedom of speech.
    • They did not support universal suffrage — only property-owning men were to have voting rights.
    • They opposed dynastic rule and wanted a modern legal system with an independent judiciary.
  5. Stalin’s collectivisation programme

    • Launched in 1929, Stalin’s collectivisation aimed to combine small farms into large collective farms called kolkhoz.
    • Peasants resisted by destroying crops and livestock.
    • The state seized grain by force, causing famine and millions of deaths.
    • The programme targeted kulaks, who were eliminated or deported.
    • Though it modernised agriculture, it caused widespread suffering.