Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution
The Age of Social Change
The French Revolution of 1789 spread ideas of liberty and equality across Europe. It made
people believe that societies could be reorganised in new ways. In India too, thinkers like
Raja Rammohan Roy and Derozio discussed these revolutionary ideas. Europeans were
divided in their responses: Liberals supported elected governments and individual rights
but opposed universal suffrage; Radicals wanted majority-based governments and
supported women’s suffrage; Conservatives accepted that change was necessary but
wanted it to be slow and respectful of traditions.
Industrial Society and Social Change
The Industrial Revolution created new cities, factories, and railways, but workers suffered
from long hours, poor wages and bad housing. Liberals and radicals demanded reforms,
while nationalists like Giuseppe Mazzini wanted unified nations. His writings also inspired
Indians.
The Coming of Socialism to Europe
Socialists opposed private property and believed in collective ownership. Robert Owen
tried to form a cooperative community in New Harmony, USA, and Louis Blanc wanted
government-backed cooperatives. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels argued that industrial
society was capitalist, workers were exploited, and only a communist society could ensure
equality.
Support for Socialism
By the 1870s, socialist ideas spread. Workers’ associations in Britain and Germany fought
for better conditions, and parties like the Labour Party in Britain and the Socialist Party in
France were formed. Though socialists did not form governments before 1914, they
influenced many laws.
The Russian Empire in 1914
Russia, ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, was an autocracy. It included territories like Finland,
Poland, Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. The majority religion was Orthodox
Christianity, but there were also Catholics, Muslims and Buddhists.
Economy and Society in Russia
85% of the population lived on agriculture. Peasants often wanted landlords’ estates and
redistributed land through communes. Industry was concentrated in St. Petersburg and
Moscow, where workers faced low wages and strikes. Women formed 31% of the
workforce but earned less.
Socialism in Russia
Political parties were illegal before 1914. The Russian Social Democratic Workers’ Party
was formed in 1898 and split into Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, who wanted a disciplined party,
and Mensheviks, who wanted a mass party. The Socialist Revolutionaries supported
peasants, but Lenin doubted their unity.
The 1905 Revolution
In 1904, prices rose and wages fell. On 22 January 1905, Bloody Sunday occurred when
workers were shot while marching to the Winter Palace. This led to strikes, uprisings, and
the creation of the Duma, though it was later weakened by the Tsar.
The First World War and Russia
Russia entered WWI in 1914 but faced heavy defeats and 7 million casualties by 1916.
Shortages of food and fuel, along with strikes and riots, created massive unrest. Tsarina
Alexandra and Rasputin were unpopular.
The February Revolution, 1917
On 22 February 1917, a factory lockout led to strikes in Petrograd. On 23 February,
women workers led demonstrations for bread. By 27 February, soldiers mutinied and
joined workers, forming the Petrograd Soviet. On 2 March 1917, Tsar Nicholas II
abdicated, and the Provisional Government was formed. Lenin’s April Theses demanded
an end to war, land redistribution, and power to Soviets.
The October Revolution, 1917
By October, the Provisional Government had grown weak. On 24–25 October, Bolsheviks
led by Lenin and Trotsky seized government offices and the Winter Palace. The October
Revolution established the world’s first communist government.
Changes after October
Banks and industries were nationalised, land was socialised, and the Bolshevik Party
became the Communist Party. The Constituent Assembly was dissolved, and Russia
became a one-party state with opposition crushed by the Cheka.
The Civil War (1918–1920)
Civil war broke out between the Reds (Bolsheviks), Whites (monarchists and liberals), and
Greens (Socialist Revolutionaries). The Bolsheviks won, and in 1922 the USSR was
formed.
Building a Socialist Society
The Bolsheviks launched Five-Year Plans from 1927. Coal, steel, and oil production grew
rapidly, and new cities like Magnitogorsk were built. Education and healthcare expanded,
but conditions were harsh and housing poor.
Stalin’s Collectivisation
In 1929, Stalin forced peasants into collective farms (kolkhoz). Kulaks were eliminated.
Many resisted, causing famine between 1930–1933 that killed 4 million people.
Global Influence of the Russian Revolution
The 1917 Revolution inspired movements worldwide. The Comintern was formed in 1919
to spread communism. Indian leaders like Nehru and Tagore admired the USSR, and
writers like R.S. Avasthi praised it. The USSR became a model of socialism, admired for
its growth but criticised for repression.
Timeline of Events
Year Event
1789 French Revolution spreads ideas of liberty and equality.
1815 Conservative order restored in Europe after Napoleon’s defeat.
1830s–1840s Mazzini and other nationalists demand revolutions.
1848 Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels publish the Communist Manifesto.
1870s Socialist ideas spread across Europe.
1889 Second International formed.
1898 Russian Social Democratic Workers’ Party founded.
1905 Bloody Sunday and the 1905 Revolution; Duma created but weakened.
1914 World War I begins; Russia joins Allies.
1916 Food shortages and riots in Petrograd.
22 Feb 1917 Strikes in Petrograd begin.
23 Feb 1917 Women’s Day protests demanding bread.
27 Feb 1917 Soldiers mutiny; Petrograd Soviet formed.
2 Mar 1917 Tsar abdicates; February Revolution ends monarchy.
April 1917 Lenin’s April Theses announced.
24–25 Oct 1917October Revolution; Bolsheviks seize power.
1918–1920 Civil War between Reds, Whites and Greens.
1922 Formation of the USSR.
1927–1932 First Five-Year Plan implemented.
1929 Collectivisation of agriculture begins.
1930–1933 Famine kills over 4 million due to collectivisation.
1936–1938 Stalin’s purges remove opponents.
