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Class 9 History Chapter 2: Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution Notes

The Russian Revolution (1917) was inspired by socialist ideas and aimed to create a classless society. This chapter explores the rise of socialism in Europe, the impact of Karl Marx’s ideas, and the overthrow of the Russian monarchy. It discusses key events like Lenin’s leadership, the Bolshevik Revolution, and Stalin’s rule, highlighting how the revolution transformed Russia into the Soviet Union.



Introduction – The Idea of Socialism in Europe

  • By the 19th century, European society was divided into classes:
    • Wealthy industrialists and landowners controlled resources.
    • Workers and peasants were poor and had no rights.
  • Many people started opposing capitalism and demanded equality.

Different Political Groups in Europe
Group Beliefs Supporters
Liberals Wanted individual rights but supported private property. Middle class, business owners.
Radicals Wanted democracy and end of monarchy. Small shopkeepers, professionals.
Conservatives Wanted to keep the old system (monarchy, churches). Nobles, landlords.
Socialists Wanted equal society with no private property. Workers, peasants.


Industrial Society and Social Change in Europe

  • The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th century) created a new society.
  • Workers suffered poor wages, long hours, and bad living conditions.
  • Socialists criticized capitalism and demanded worker rights.

Socialist Thinkers and Their Ideas
  • Karl Marx – Believed that workers should overthrow capitalism and create a classless society.
  • Friedrich Engels – Supported workers’ rights and co-authored The Communist Manifesto (1848).


The Russian Empire in 1914 – Life Under Tsar Nicholas II

  • Russia was an absolute monarchy ruled by Tsar Nicholas II.
  • The Russian society was divided into privileged classes and suffering workers/peasants.

Russian Society Before the Revolution
Class Who They Were Conditions
Nobles & Aristocrats Owned land, had power. Lived in luxury.
Middle Class (Merchants, Bankers) Wanted democracy and reforms. Had no political power.
Workers & Peasants Worked in factories and farms. Faced poverty and hunger.


The 1905 Revolution – First Attempt to Overthrow the Tsar

  • On January 22, 1905, workers marched to the Tsar’s palace in St. Petersburg to demand better working conditions.
  • The Tsar’s soldiers fired at unarmed protesters, killing hundreds.
  • This event became known as Bloody Sunday.

Results of the 1905 Revolution
  • The Tsar introduced the Duma (parliament), but it had no real power.
  • Workers and peasants remained unhappy as their conditions did not improve.


The First World War and Its Impact on Russia (1914–1917)

  • Russia entered World War I in 1914, fighting against Germany.
  • Millions of Russian soldiers died, and people suffered from food shortages and poverty.
  • Workers and soldiers lost faith in the Tsar, leading to mass protests.


The February Revolution (1917) – Fall of the Tsar

  • In February 1917, workers and soldiers protested in Petrograd (St. Petersburg).
  • The Tsar ordered soldiers to fire at protesters, but they refused and joined the revolution.
  • The Tsar was forced to abdicate (give up the throne) on March 2, 1917.

Aftermath of the February Revolution
  • A Provisional Government was formed to rule Russia.
  • But the government was weak and continued Russia’s involvement in World War I.
  • The Soviets (workers’ councils) gained power, led by socialist leaders.


The Bolshevik Revolution (October 1917) – Rise of Communism

  • The Bolsheviks (radical socialists) were led by Vladimir Lenin.
  • They wanted to give land to peasants, control factories, and end Russia’s involvement in World War I.
  • On October 25, 1917, the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government in Petrograd.

Results of the Bolshevik Revolution
  • Russia became the world’s first socialist state.
  • All land was given to peasants, and factories were controlled by workers.
  • Russia withdrew from World War I (March 1918).


The Civil War in Russia (1918–1921)

  • After the revolution, a civil war broke out between the Bolsheviks (Red Army) and their opponents (White Army).
  • The Red Army, led by Leon Trotsky, won the war, securing Bolshevik control.
  • The Bolsheviks executed the Tsar and his family in 1918.


The Formation of the Soviet Union (USSR) and Socialist Reforms

  • In 1922, Russia was renamed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
  • Lenin introduced socialist policies:
    • No private property – land and industries were nationalized.
    • Free healthcare, education, and social services for all.
    • Government control over the economy.


The Legacy of the Russian Revolution


Impact on Russia
  • Ended monarchy and established communism.
  • Created a state-controlled economy with free healthcare and education.
  • Suppressed opposition through dictatorship.

Impact on the World
  • Inspired communist movements in China, Vietnam, and Cuba.
  • Led to the Cold War (US vs. USSR) after World War II.


Conclusion

  • Socialism emerged as a response to industrial exploitation and inequality in Europe.
  • The Russian Empire under Tsar Nicholas II was highly unequal and oppressive.
  • The 1905 Revolution (Bloody Sunday) weakened the monarchy but failed.
  • World War I worsened Russia’s economy, leading to the February 1917 Revolution.
  • The Tsar was overthrown, but the Provisional Government was weak.
  • The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized power in October 1917 and established a socialist state.
  • The Russian Civil War (1918–1921) led to the formation of the USSR.
  • The revolution inspired global communist movements and shaped 20th-century politics.

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