MNEMONIC INITIAVE BY – NEELESH KUMAR SINGH (AIR 442 UPSC CSE 2021)
Theme UPSC Mnemonic – 7 (WORLD HISTORY) – Reasons behind Russian revolution
Associated Mnemonics - "BOLSHEVIK"
Mnemonics
B – Bolshevik Leadership
O – Oppression
L – Land Issues
S – Social Inequality
H – Hunger
E – Economic Instability
V – Vladimir Lenin
I – Intellectuals
K – Kerensky's Government
Explanation of ❖ B - Bolshevik Leadership
above • Explanation: The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, played a
Mnemonics crucial role in the revolution by providing strong leadership
and a clear ideological direction.
• Example: Bolshevik Promises: The Bolsheviks gained popular
support by promising "Peace, Land, and Bread" to war-weary
soldiers, land-hungry peasants, and starving workers,
positioning themselves as the champions of the oppressed.
❖ O – Oppression
• Explanation: The oppressive policies of the Tsarist regime,
including political repression and lack of personal freedoms,
fuelled widespread discontent.
• Example: Secret Police (Okhrana): The Tsarist secret police
suppressed political dissent, arrested and exiled
revolutionaries, and created an atmosphere of fear and
resentment among the population.
❖ L - Land Issues
• Explanation: Land distribution was a major issue, with the
majority of land controlled by a small number of aristocrats,
leaving peasants landless and impoverished.
• Example: Land Hunger: Peasants demanded land reforms and
the redistribution of land from the nobility, but the Tsarist
government failed to address these demands, leading to
peasant unrest and support for revolutionary movements.
❖ S - Social Inequality
• Explanation: Deep social inequalities existed between the
aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the working classes, creating
widespread dissatisfaction.
• Example: Class Disparities: The stark contrast between the
opulent lifestyles of the Russian aristocracy and the dire
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MNEMONIC INITIAVE BY – NEELESH KUMAR SINGH (AIR 442 UPSC CSE 2021)
poverty of the working class and peasants highlighted the deep
social inequalities and fuelled revolutionary sentiment.
❖ H – Hunger
• Explanation: Widespread hunger and food shortages
exacerbated by World War I led to public outrage and
desperation.
• Example: Bread Riots: In March 1917, food shortages in
Petrograd led to bread riots, which quickly escalated into
widespread protests against the Tsarist regime, contributing to
the February Revolution.
❖ E - Economic Instability
• Explanation: Economic instability, including inflation,
unemployment, and a struggling war economy, created
hardship and unrest among the population.
• Example: War Economy: Russia's involvement in World War I
strained its economy, leading to inflation, food shortages, and
the collapse of industry, which contributed to widespread
economic instability and discontent.
❖ V - Vladimir Lenin
• Explanation: Vladimir Lenin's leadership and his ability to
mobilize and inspire the masses were pivotal in the success of
the Bolshevik Revolution.
• Example: April Theses: Upon returning to Russia in April 1917,
Lenin issued his April Theses, which called for Soviet power,
the end of the war, and land reforms, galvanizing support for
the Bolsheviks.
❖ I – Intellectuals
• Explanation: Intellectuals and revolutionary thinkers criticized
the Tsarist regime and proposed radical changes, influencing
public opinion and revolutionary movements.
• Example: Marxist Influence: Intellectuals like Leon Trotsky and
Alexander Bogdanov promoted Marxist ideas, which called for
the overthrow of the bourgeoisie and the establishment of a
proletarian state, inspiring revolutionary activity.
❖ K - Kerensky's Government
• Explanation: The Provisional Government, led by Alexander
Kerensky, failed to address key issues such as land reform and
ending the war, leading to its downfall.
• Example: Continued War Effort: Kerensky's decision to
continue Russia's involvement in World War I was highly
unpopular and contributed to the loss of support for the
Provisional Government, paving the way for the Bolshevik
takeover.
For complete Mnemonic booklet – visit – www.neeleshair442.com
For UPSC preparation – visit telegram Channel – UPSC PRELIMS WITH NEELESH
For Sociology Mentorship – visit sociology channel – SOCIOLOGY WITH NEELESH
For Free CSAT VIDEOS – visit YOUTUBE – CIVIL SERVICES WITH NEELESH
