ThinkRankSocialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution
Overview
The chapter introduces socialism as a response to capitalist inequality and traces how Russia’s political and economic crises produced the 1917 revolutions. It highlights how the Bolsheviks transformed Russia into the USSR and influenced global politics.
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate between liberalism, conservatism, and socialism
- Summarize events of 1905 and the two revolutions of 1917
- Understand the impact of Bolshevik policies
Key Concepts
Socialist Critique of Capitalism
Socialists argued that private ownership produced inequality and exploitation. They proposed collective ownership, workers’ rights, and state responsibility for welfare.
Tsarist Autocracy and Social Inequality
Russia’s monarchy ruled without democracy, and peasants faced poverty and land shortage. Industrial workers endured harsh conditions, creating unrest.
Impact of World War I
War caused massive losses, inflation, and food shortages. The army’s failures weakened support for the Tsar and increased public anger.
February and October Revolutions
The February Revolution ended Tsarism, while the October Revolution brought Bolsheviks to power under Lenin with promises of peace, bread, and land.
Role of the Soviets
Workers’ and soldiers’ councils (soviets) became powerful local bodies, often competing with the provisional government.
Bolshevik Reforms and Civil War
Land was redistributed, industries were nationalized, and a civil war followed between the Red Army and opponents of the new regime.
Economic Policies after Revolution
Policies like War Communism and later the New Economic Policy (NEP) tried to rebuild the economy after civil war.
Global Influence of the USSR
The Soviet model inspired socialist movements worldwide and became a major force in 20th-century global politics.
Key Terms
Examples
Bloody Sunday (1905)
Peaceful protesters were fired upon by soldiers, triggering widespread strikes and marking a major turning point against Tsarist rule.
Land Redistribution
After October 1917, peasant demands for land were addressed through confiscation of landlord estates.
Nationalization of Industries
Major industries were placed under state control as part of the socialist economic model.
Quick Check
- How did World War I worsen Russia’s crisis?
- What changed between February and October 1917?
- Why was socialism attractive to workers and peasants?