Question 1: What were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
The social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905 were marked by a majority of the population being agriculturists, industrial issues with strikes, religious and communal practices among peasants, and illegal political parties.
Question 2: In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?
The working population in Russia before 1917 was unique as not all workers migrated from villages to cities. There was a social and professional divide among them, with metal workers being considered the "aristocrats" of the working class. Despite differences, they were united in strikes against poor working conditions.
Question 3: Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
The Tsarist autocracy collapsed in 1917 due to public mistrust, dissatisfaction with the Tsar's policies, anti-German sentiments, economic hardships during World War I, and the loss of battles. The final blow came with the suspension of the Duma, leading to the Tsar's abdication.
Question 4: Make two lists: one with the main events and effects of the February Revolution and the other with the main events and effects of the October Revolution.
Main events and effects of the February Revolution included food shortages, strikes, the formation of the Petrograd Soviet, and the abdication of the Tsar. The October Revolution, led by Lenin and Trotsky, involved an uprising, shelling of the Winter Palace, and the establishment of Bolshevik control, marking the beginning of Lenin's rule.
Question 5: What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
After the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks nationalized industry and banks, declared land social property, designed new uniforms, dismissed the Constituent Assembly, signed a peace treaty with Germany, and established a one-party state with censorship and control over trade unions.
Question 6: Write a few lines to show what you know about kulaks, the Duma, women workers between 1900 and 1930, the Liberals, Stalin's collectivisation programme.
(a) Kulaks: Wealthy peasants targeted by Stalin for hoarding grains. Raids in 1928 confiscated their supplies.
(b) The Duma: Formed in 1905, it initially had advisory roles. Tsar dissolved it in 1917, leading to his abdication.
(c) Women workers between 1900 and 1930: Comprised 31% of factory labor force by 1914. Led strikes during the February Revolution.
(d) The Liberals: Advocated for tolerance, protection of individual rights, and elected parliamentary governance. Limited voting rights to male property holders.
(e) Stalin's collectivisation programme: Implemented in 1929 to increase grain production. Led to the formation of collective farms, but faced opposition and resulted in famines in 1930-33.