Socialism in Europe
& The Russian Revolution
Introduction
- Socialism emerged as a response to Industrial Capitalism in 19th-century Europe.
- It aimed to end private ownership and promote collective welfare.
- The Russian Revolution of 1917 marked the beginning of the world’s first socialist state.
1. The Age of Social Change
- 18th-century Europe was a time of political and social upheaval.
- Liberals supported religious tolerance, elected governments, and individual freedom.
- Radicals wanted universal suffrage and majority rule.
- Conservatives favored gradual change and monarchial systems.
- The Industrial Revolution created new social classes like the working class and capitalists.
2. Socialist Ideology
- Socialists advocated for equality, social justice, and community ownership.
- Robert Owen pioneered cooperative living.
- Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels promoted scientific socialism.
- Their book “The Communist Manifesto (1848)” introduced the idea of class struggle and the proletariat revolution.
3. Spread of Socialism in Europe
- By the late 1800s, socialism was gaining traction across Europe.
- Socialist parties rose in Germany, France, Russia, and other nations.
- Trade unions and workers’ movements became political forces.
- Many socialists joined democratic parliaments to push for reforms.
4. Russia Before 1917
- Russia was under absolute monarchy of Tsar Nicholas II.
- No constitution, no parliament, and no civil rights for common people.
- Peasants lived in poverty, and urban workers faced harsh conditions.
- The economy was backward, and inequality was rampant.
5. The 1905 Revolution
- Triggered by social injustice, economic crisis, and the Russo-Japanese War defeat.
- Bloody Sunday (1905): Peaceful protesters were shot by the Tsar’s guards.
- Resulted in nationwide strikes, unrest, and the formation of the Duma (Parliament).
- However, Tsar retained most power, and reforms were limited.
6. Impact of World War I
- Russia’s military failure and economic breakdown worsened public anger.
- Food shortages, inflation, and loss of life intensified resentment.
- Confidence in Tsar Nicholas II collapsed.
- Protests and strikes increased in Petrograd and beyond.
7. February Revolution (1917)
- Sparked by bread riots, factory strikes, and mass protests.
- The army mutinied and joined the people.
- Tsar abdicated, and a Provisional Government was formed.
- People hoped for freedom, peace, and land, but problems continued.
8. Lenin and the Bolsheviks
- Vladimir Lenin returned from exile with the slogan:
“Peace, Land, and Bread!” - He urged people to support Soviets (workers’ councils).
- The Bolshevik Party gained popularity by promising end to war, land to peasants, and control of factories to workers.
9. October Revolution (1917)
- The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, overthrew the Provisional Government in a bloodless coup.
- The Winter Palace was seized.
- Soviet power was declared, and the world’s first communist government was born.
10. Bolshevik Measures
- Banks, factories, and land were nationalized.
- Nobility lost their lands, and church properties were seized.
- Russia exited World War I through the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918).
- Opposition parties were banned, and press was censored.
11. Russian Civil War (1918–1921)
- Fought between the Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (Tsarists + foreign armies).
- Leon Trotsky led the Red Army to victory.
- Resulted in devastation, famine, and casualties.
- In 1922, Russia became the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).
12. Lenin’s New Economic Policy (NEP)
- Introduced in 1921 to revive the economy.
- Allowed small private businesses, markets, and profit-based farming.
- Helped stabilize the economy and win public support.
- Seen as a temporary compromise with capitalism.
13. Rise of Joseph Stalin
- After Lenin’s death in 1924, Stalin became the leader of USSR.
- He ended NEP and introduced centralized planning.
- Launched Five-Year Plans focusing on heavy industries.
- Aimed to transform USSR into an industrial superpower.
14. Collectivization and Repression
- Private farms were merged into collective farms (kolkhoz).
- Resistance by peasants led to famine and purges.
- Stalin used secret police (NKVD) to crush dissent.
- Millions died or were sent to gulags (labour camps).
15. Global Influence of the Revolution
- Inspired leftist movements in China, Vietnam, Cuba, India, and others.
- Comintern was set up to promote global revolution.
- Capitalist countries responded with anti-communist policies.
- The world became divided between capitalism and socialism.
16. Decline of Socialism
- Though USSR became a superpower, it faced issues like:
- Authoritarianism
- Censorship
- Economic inefficiency
- By 1991, public dissatisfaction, economic collapse, and freedom movements led to the dissolution of USSR.
17. Legacy of the Russian Revolution
- Ended centuries of monarchy in Russia.
- Introduced planned economy, free education, and healthcare.
- Changed world politics and inspired freedom struggles.
- Also exposed dangers of totalitarianism and state control.
10 Short Questions
- Who was the last Tsar of Russia?
- What was the slogan of Lenin?
- Name the treaty that ended Russia’s participation in WWI.
- What does NEP stand for?
- Who led the Red Army?
- What was the Communist Manifesto?
- In which year did the October Revolution take place?
- What does USSR stand for?
- Who introduced the Five-Year Plans?
- When did the USSR collapse?
5 Long Questions
- Describe the causes and results of the February Revolution.
- Explain the role of Lenin in the October Revolution.
- What were the Bolshevik policies after seizing power in 1917?
- Discuss Stalin’s industrial and agricultural policies.
- How did the Russian Revolution influence global history?