CBSE Class 9 Social Science: Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution NCERT Solutions

Before 1905, Russia experienced severe social, economic, and political challenges that culminated in the 1905 Revolution.

Social Conditions: At the dawn of the 20th century, approximately 85% of Russia's population consisted of agriculturists. The vast majority of the population, including peasants and workers, lived in difficult conditions, facing exploitation and lacking basic rights. The nobility, crown, and Orthodox Church owned significant land, while peasants often struggled with land hunger.

Economic Conditions: Russia was a major grain exporter, but its industrial sector was underdeveloped and concentrated in a few areas. Industries were largely run by private owners who often exploited workers. Workers frequently did not receive minimum wages, and there were no regulations on working hours, leading to 12-15 hour workdays. Corruption was widespread.

Political Conditions: Russia was an autocracy ruled by the Tsar. Tsar Nicholas II, in particular, was perceived as a self-willed, corrupt, and oppressive ruler who disregarded public welfare. The general populace, including workers and peasants, had no say in governance. Despite demands for a responsible government, influenced by Western European democratic movements, these were suppressed. This led even moderate reformers to consider revolutionary action. The Russian Social Democratic Workers Party, founded in 1898 by socialists influenced by Marx, later split into Bolsheviks and Mensheviks in 1903.

The working population in Russia, comprising peasants and factory workers, faced significantly more deplorable conditions compared to their counterparts in other European countries before 1917. This was largely due to the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II and his oppressive policies.

Peasants: Unlike peasants in many European countries who respected nobility and fought for them, Russian peasants had little respect for the nobility. They were often deeply religious but suffered from 'land hunger,' desiring the land owned by the nobility. Due to oppressive policies and frustration, they frequently refused to pay rent and sometimes resorted to murdering landlords.

Factory Workers: The condition of factory workers was equally dire. Most industries were privately owned, and industrialists exploited workers for profit. Workers often did not receive even minimum wages, and there were no limits on working hours, forcing them to work 12-15 hours a day. Crucially, they could not form trade unions or political parties to voice their grievances or demand reforms. They lacked political rights and had little hope for improvement under the Tsarist regime.

The Tsarist autocracy collapsed in 1917 primarily due to the widespread misery and discontent among the Russian populace, fueled by the Tsar's corrupt and oppressive policies. Several factors contributed to this collapse:

1. Peasant Grievances: Peasants suffered from severe land hunger, with much of their produce going to landowners. Their frustration often led to refusal to pay rent and attacks on landlords.
2. Worker Exploitation: Factory workers endured deplorable conditions, including low wages, excessively long working hours (12-15 hours daily), and the inability to form trade unions or political parties to express their grievances.
3. Inefficient and Autocratic Rule: Tsar Nicholas II was an inefficient, self-willed, corrupt, and oppressive ruler who neglected the welfare of his people and the country. His autocratic system lacked responsiveness to the needs of the population.
4. Influence of Socialist Ideas: The teachings of Karl Marx inspired many Russians to challenge the existing system and advocate for revolutionary change.
5. The 1905 Revolution: This earlier revolution, though suppressed, served as a 'dress rehearsal' for 1917, highlighting the deep-seated opposition to the Tsarist regime and paving the way for future uprisings.
6. Impact of World War I: Russia's participation in World War I proved disastrous. The war caused immense suffering, economic hardship, and heavy casualties, exposing the government's incompetence and shattering the morale of the army and the public. This was the final catalyst that led to the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy.