Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

Q91. “By the 1950s it was acknowledged within the country that the style of government in the USSR was not in keeping with the ideals of the Russian Revolution”. Why was this said?

Ans. By the 1950s it was acknowledged within the country that the style of government in the USSR was not in keeping with the ideals of the Russian Revolution. It was said because of the following reasons:

1. A backward country had become a great power. Its industries and agriculture had developed and the poor were being fed. But it had denied the essential freedoms to its citizens and carried out its developmental projects through repressive policies. 
2. By the end of the twentieth century, the international reputation of the USSR as a socialist country had declined though it was recognised that socialist ideals still enjoyed respect among its people. 

Q92. Discuss the civil war that took place in Russia.

Ans. When the Bolsheviks ordered land redistribution, the Russian army began to break up. Soldiers, mostly peasants, wished to go home for the redistribution and deserted. Non-Bolshevik socialists, liberals and supporters of autocracy condemned the Bolshevik uprising. Supporters of private property among ‘whites’ took harsh steps with peasants who had seized land. Such actions led to the loss of popular support for the non-Bolsheviks. They succeeded due to cooperation with non-Russian nationalities and Muslim jadidists. In Khiva, in Central Asia, Bolshevik colonists brutally massacred local nationalists in the name of defending socialism.

Q93. Mention the important steps taken by Lenin to improve the agriculture and economy of Russia.

Ans. The following steps were taken by Lenin to improve the agriculture and economy of Russia:

1. Most industry and banks were nationalised in November 1917.
2. He introduced redistribution of land.
3. A process of centralised planning was introduced. On this basis they made the Five Year Plans.
4. The government fixed all prices to promote industrial growth during the first two Plans.
5. The communes were set up and income was divided in accordance with the ‘principles of cooperative communism’.

Q94. Describe the steps taken by Tsar Nicholas II after Russian Revolution to maintain his authority.
Or
Describe the reforms introduced by Tsar Nicholas II after Russian Revolution.

Ans. The following steps were taken by Tsar Nicholas II after Russian Revolution to maintain his authority:

1. During the 1905 Revolution, the Tsar allowed the creation of an elected consultative Parliament or Duma.
2. After 1905, most committees and unions worked unofficially, since they were declared illegal. Severe restrictions were placed on political activity.
3. The Tsar dismissed the first Duma within 75 days and the re-elected second Duma within three months.
4. He changed the voting laws and packed the third Duma with conservative politicians. Liberals and revolutionaries were kept out.

Q95. Why was kerenskii 'government unpopular? Give two reasons.
Or
Why did kerenskii's government become unpopular in Russia?

Ans. Kerenskii's government become unpopular in Russia because:

1. It resisted attempts by workers to run factories and began arresting leaders.
2. Popular demonstrations staged by the Bolsheviks were sternly repressed. Many Bolshevik leaders had to go into hiding or flee.
3. As the conflict between the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks grew, Lenin feared the Provisional Government would set up a dictatorship.
4. Lenin persuaded the Petrograd Soviet and the Bolshevik Party to agree to a socialist seizure of power.
5. Sensing trouble, Prime Minister Kerenskii had left the city to summon troops.

Q96. What steps were taken to improve the condition of factory workers and peasants after civil war?

Ans. Steps taken to improve the condition of factory workers and peasants after civil war were:

1. He introduced redistribution of land.
2. The communes were set up and income was divided in accordance with the ‘principles of cooperative communism’.
3. New factory cities came into being.
4. An extended schooling system developed, and arrangements were made for factory workers and peasants to enter universities. 
5. Crèches were established in factories for the children of women workers.
6. Cheap public health care was provided. Model living quarters were set up for workers.