Question 1

Q1: What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?

Accepted Answer

The social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905 were as follows: Social Conditions: - About 85 per cent of the Russian empire's population were agriculturists, a proportion much higher than in other European countries. - Society was deeply divided. The nobility, the crown, and t...

Question 2

Q2: In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?

Accepted Answer

The working population in Russia was different from other countries in Europe before 1917 in several ways: 1.  Dominance of Agriculture: About 85% of the Russian population earned their living from agriculture. This proportion was significantly higher than in other European countries like France and...

Question 3

Q3: Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?

Accepted Answer

The Tsarist autocracy collapsed in 1917 due to a combination of long-term discontent and immediate pressures from the First World War. 1.  Impact of the First World War: The war was a major catalyst. Russia suffered massive losses, with over 7 million casualties by 1917. The army's destruction of cr...

Question 4

Q4: Make two lists: one with the main events and the effects of the February Revolution and the other with the main events and effects of the October Revo...

Accepted Answer

The February Revolution (1917) Main Events: - 22 February: Lockout at a factory on the right bank of the River Neva. - 23 February: Workers in fifty factories went on strike; women led many of these strikes. - 24-25 February: Demonstrators returned to the streets; the government called out the caval...

Question 5

Q5: What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after the October Revolution in 1917, the Bolsheviks brought about several fundamental changes based on their socialist principles: 1.  Nationalisation of Industry and Banks: In November 1917, most industries and banks were nationalised. This meant the government took over their ownershi...

Question 6

Q6: Write a few lines to show what you know about: - kulaks - the Duma - women workers between 1900 and 1930 - the Liberals - Stalin's collectivisation pr...

Accepted Answer

- Kulaks: This was the name used for well-to-do peasants in Russia. Stalin believed they were holding stocks of grain to create shortages and drive up prices. During his collectivisation programme, he sought to 'eliminate kulaks' by confiscating their land, deporting them, and forcing them onto coll...

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