Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

Socialism in Europe

• Socialism: It is an ideology whose main idea is that resources should be owned by society, not individually.
• Three Main Political Trends:
  • Liberals: Advocated for religious tolerance but did not favor universal voting rights.
  • Radicals: Supported abolishing private property and advocated for women's rights.
  • Conservatives: Preferred gradual change but accepted changes out of necessity.
• Development of Industrial Society: The state of industries was poor, and entrepreneurs demanded improvements.

The Russian Revolution

• Russian Empire: Was under Czar Nicholas II in 1914.
• Political Parties:
  • Russian Social Democratic Workers Party: Established in 1898.
  • Socialist Revolutionary Party: Founded in 1900.
• 1905 Revolution:
  • Started with "Bloody Sunday," where more than a hundred people were killed.
  • Under pressure, the king created a representative body 'Duma,' but it was later dissolved.

World War I and the February 1917 Revolution

• Impact of the War: Large casualties and refugees, with a negative impact on industries and the economy.
• February Revolution:
  • Due to food shortages and other reasons, the public rebelled.
  • Ultimately, the king abdicated, leading to the end of the monarchy.

October Revolution

• Rise of the Bolsheviks: Lenin presented the 'April Theses.'
• Weakness of the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks' seizure of power.
• Civil War: Conflict between the Bolsheviks and their opponents.

Stalin and Collectivization

• Rise of Stalin: Came to power after Lenin's death.
• Collectivization: Merging small farms into large ones, but production did not increase.

Global Impact of the Russian Revolution

• Influence of the USSR: Demonstrated the concept of a workers' state on a global level.
• Positive and Negative Impact: Witnessed the transformation of the workers' state from concept to reality.

These notes provide a brief glimpse of the entire chapter.