Lecture Notes: Russian Revolution and Socialism

Introduction

• Foreign series is back with classes for Jeet Kajor.
• Mixed audience: English and Hindi understanding.
• Focus on the chapter in one session due to its length.

Exam Preparation

• Reminder about registering for offline exams (last day for registration).
• Importance of attending free webinars for students.

Today's Class Structure

• Discuss important topics and dates within the chapter.
• Focus on economic and socio-political conditions of the 19th century post-French Revolution.
• Explore the emergence of political ideologies:
  • Liberals
  • Radicals
  • Conservatives

Industrial Revolution Context

• Definition: Mid-18th century, a shift to industry and mass production.
• Impact:
  • Urbanization and employment opportunities.
  • Poor working conditions and exploitation of workers.
• Importance of reading and understanding the chapter for better exam preparation.

Political Ideologies

• Liberals:
  • Advocated for religious tolerance and an elected Parliament.
  • Opposed absolute monarchy and universal adult franchise.
• Radicals:
  • Desired quick social changes and equal rights for women.
  • Criticized wealth inequality.
• Conservatives:
  • Favored slow change and preservation of tradition.

Russian Empire Pre-Revolution

-Structure:

• Tsar Nicholas II from the Romanov family.
• Social hierarchy: Nobles, Factory Workers, Craftsmen, and Agriculturists (85% of population).
• Economic conditions worsened leading to dissatisfaction.

February Revolution (1917)

• Triggered by World War I hardships and internal strife.
• Key Events:
  • Bloody Sunday: peaceful protests leading to violence.
  • Formation of temporary government following Nicholas II's abdication.
• Major demands:
  • Political freedom, wages, and ending the war.

October Revolution (1917)

• Led by Lenin and the Bolshevik party.
• Military Revolutionary Committee established to seize power.
• Overthrew the provisional government.
• Key Outcomes:
  • Establishment of a one-party state under Bolsheviks.
  • Land redistribution and nationalization of industries.

Civil War (1918-1919)

• Fought between Bolsheviks (Reds) and non-Bolshevik Socialists and Tsarist loyalists (Whites).
• Supported by foreign powers (Britain, France, Japan) fearing the spread of socialism.
• Resulted in famine, economic hardship, and consolidation of Bolshevik power.

Stalinism and Collectivization

• Stalin's Policies:
  • Nationalization of land and industries.
  • Forced collectivization leading to resistance from peasants.
• Impact:
  • Shortage of food and economic challenges despite initial growth in industry.

Conclusion

• The Russian Revolution had a significant global impact on socialism.
• Ideas of socialism and communism spread beyond Russia.
• The chapter emphasizes understanding social change driven by class struggles.

Homework Question

• What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks after the October Revolution? (4 marks)