WBBSE Class 9 Fundamentals Of History Chapter 5 Europe In The 20th Century Analytical Long Answer Questions
Question 1. Briefly discuss the Czarist rule in Russia during the second half of the 19th Century.
Answer:
The Czarist rule in Russia during the second half of the 19th Century
Ivan 4 was the first to assume the title of Czar in Russia in 1547 but it was the regime of the Romanov rulers (1613 to 1917) which is regarded as the period of Czarist rule in Russia.
The rule of Czar Nicholas I lasted from 1825 to 1855 and he was succeeded by Alexander II who ruled from 1855 to 1881 till his assassination by one of the members of the terrorist group Narodnaya Volya.
The most significant measure adopted by Alexander II was the declaration of the Emancipation Statute of 1861 and he brought about reforms in the system of education, judiciary, and land.
On his death his son Alexander 3 ascended the throne in 1881 and ruled till 1894 reversed all the reforms of his father and declared that there would be one Czar, one Church, and one Russia and his other autocratic measures were
- Russification of the minorities
- Imposition of censorship and restrictions on publications, meetings, private correspondences, etc.
- State control over the education system
- Keeping the control of the Mirs on the government-appointed landed proprietors
- Imprisonment or exile of political offenders.
However, he did not act as a barrier when Count Witte introduced the railways or encouraged industrialization with cheap labor and also on his revenue policy.
In 1894, Nicholas II became the Czar after his father’s death and continued the same autocratic rule as his predecessor. His reign witnessed the collapse of imperial Russia and because of his anti -Semitic programs and violent suppression of the Revolution of 1905, he was called Nicholas the Bloody.
The rule of Nicholas II saw the discontent and protest of the workers, the defeat of Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, and the revolutions of 1905 and 1917 in Russia. Nicholas II was the last ruler of the Romanov Dynasty who was dethroned in 1917 as a result of the Russian Revolution.
Read And Learn Also WBBSE Class 9 Fundamentals Of History Long Answer Questions
Question 2. Discuss the social background of the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
The social background of the Russian Revolution
The Russian society suffered due to the autocratic, feudal structure of her society which was created through the corrupt, unjust, and tyrannical Czarist regime.
The society was divided into two groups-
- The handful of aristocrats and the innumerable
- Poor peasants and even the Emancipation Statute of 1861 by Czar Alexander 2 failed to improve the plights of the peasantry.
The increase in the peasant population during the close of the 19th Century created a shortage of land for cultivation and when the law and order system collapsed in Russia these people started attacking the Crown, the Church, and the nobles. The unhappy middle-class population though less in number also resented the policies of the government.
The rise of industries in Russia led to the growth of the working class along with their problems. The exploitation of the workers, the harsh and undignified treatment of them, and the denial to form Trade Unions and the right to ‘Strike’ agitated them very much.
The people of Russia like the people of France were also influenced by the writings of the intellectuals like Leo Tolstoy, Maxim Gorky, Turgenev, and others.
Question 3. Discuss the economic background of the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
The economic background of the Russian Revolution
The three hundred years rule of the Romanov Dynasty systematically weakened the backbone of the Russian economy and this economic backwardness was one of the major causes of the Russian Revolution.
80% of the population of Russia was comprised of the peasantry whose plights did not improve much even after the declaration of the Emancipation Statute or laws passed by Prime Minister Stolypin. Russia continued to be a backward agrarian nation even at a time when the rest of the European nations developed modern industries.
The end of the 19th Century saw a rise in Russian industries and around 15% of the Russian population who formed the industrial workers were in miserable economic conditions. They had low salaries, dwelt in slums, denied the right to form a Union or organize a ‘Strike’.
The merchants and the factory owners wanted to establish constitutional governments so that they could place their demands. The Russian economy further suffered a terrible setback due to her participation in the First World War.
There was a shortage of food and essential commodities and even the Russian soldiers grew hostile under such circumstances.
WBBSE Class 9 Fundamentals Of History Question 4. Discuss the political background of the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
The political background of the Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was one of the most significant events in the history of the world. The autocratic and reactionary rule of the Czars in Russia led the Russian people toward the Dark Ages and hence a rebellion became inevitable.
The Russification of the minority, the various repressive measures of the Czars, the censorship of the press, control of the education system, the imprisonment, and the policy of sending on an exile to Siberia made the atmosphere extremely volatile.
As a result, both the peasantry and the workers took recourse to revolts and strikes which were ruthlessly suppressed by the Czarist Government. Russia’s failure in the Crimean War, her little accomplishment at the Berlin Conference, and the defeat of Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 affected the pride and honor of Russia.
Last but not least was the failure of Russia in the First World War, which prepared the ground for the revolution.
Question 5. What were the causes of the success of the Bolshevik Revolution?
Answer:
The causes of the success of the Bolshevik Revolution
Several factors contributed to the success of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. The weakness of the government formed by Alexander Kerensky led to the shortage of food and essential commodities which made all sections of the population —the peasants, the workers, and the soldiers unhappy and hostile.
The void that was created in the minds of the people during the time of the war together with their feeling of hopelessness made them lean more toward the Bolsheviks.
The participation and subsequent withdrawal of Russia from the First World War not only demoralized the people it also shook their trust in the Czarist rule and it was the soldiers who started shifting their allegiance towards the Bolsheviks.
The able leadership of V. I. Lenin and the proper execution of the program by the Bolshevik Party also motivated the people. The absence of proper opposition and the inability of the Czar to curb the rebellion was yet another factor.
Finally, the April Theses of Lenin that promised bread to the workers, peace to the army, and land to the peasants largely contributed to the success of the Bolshevik Revolution.
Question 6. What were the causes of the First World War?
Answer:
The causes of the First World War
The First World War began in 1914 and ended in 1918 with the defeat of the Central Powers at the hands of the Allied Powers.
The immediate cause of the war was the assassination of the Austrian Prince Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie by a Slav nationalist named Gavrilo Princip on June 28th, 1914 at Sarajevo.
The imperialist policies of the powerful European nations and their attempt to establish colonies in Asia and Africa led to rivalries among them. The Industrial Revolution, the labor movements, and aggressive nationalism also contributed to the cause of the war.
The conflict between Great Britain and the German Empire on the high seas was inevitable as a result of the naval arms race between the two countries.
A belief developed about the superior strength of Prussian militarism as a result of Germany’s success in the Franco-German War. After the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine by Germany severe bitterness grew between France and Germany and the former was desperately longing for revenge.
The Balkan Wars led to the eradication of the presence of the Ottoman Empire in Europe which gave way to strife among the victor powers.
WBBSE Class 9 Fundamentals Of History Question 7. Why did the Allied Powers win victory in the First World War?
Answer: The First World War ended with an armistice in which both the Allied Powers and the Central Powers agreed to stop fighting. Since it was the Germans who requested an armistice the Allied Powers were in a winning position.
The reason for the victory of the Allied Powers was
- Compared to Germany the Allied Powers were better equipped and had more resources and manpower
- England and France being democratic nations drew more support from their people than Germany which was under dictatorial rule
- The naval strength of the Allied Powers was far superior to the Central Powers
- The sinking of the American merchant ships by Germany led to the entry of the United States into the First World War on the side of the Allies. This strengthened the power and resources of the Allied Powers.
- Moreover, Germany was fighting the war on both fronts for the major part of the war but she did not have enough money, men, and war equipment to carry on like this for long.
- Truly speaking it was nothing more than a war of attrition that Germany or the Central Powers could not hope to win.
Question 8. Discuss Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points.
Answer:
Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points
The United States of America joined the First World War without any intention of territorial gains but to establish peace end the war and make the world ‘safe for democracy’.
Woodrow Wilson the then President of the USA proposed his Fourteen Points in January 1918 to achieve the protection of democracy and world peace.
The Fourteen Points of Woodrow Wilson stated-
- Abandonment of secret agreements and negotiations
- Freedom of the seas
- End of all economic barriers
- Countries were asked to bring about a reduction in their number of armaments
- Impartial adjustments of all colonial claims
- The evacuation of all Russian territory
- Restoration of Belgium
- The liberation of France and restoration of Alsace-Lorraine to France
- Readjustments of the frontiers of Italy to comply with clearly recognizable lines of nationality
- Acceptance of the principle of self -determination and this should be allowed to all who were living in Austria-Hungary,
- Evacuation of the Balkans by the Central Powers
- Autonomous or independent development for the non-Turkish people of the Ottoman Empire; free passage of the Dardanelles to the ships and commerce of all nations
- Creation of an independent Poland
- A general association of nations is to be formed to guarantee political independence and territorial integrity to its members.
Question 9. Write a note on the League of Nations.
Answer:
League of Nations
The memories of the First World War had a devastating impact on the minds of people and naturally the word ‘peace’ became the call of the hour.
Keeping in account the last chapter of the Fourteen Points announced by Woodrow Wilson an international organization was formed to solve the international problems peacefully through discussions and mutual negotiations instead of going into a war.
Following the instruction of Woodrow Wilson the proposal of the formation of the League of Nations was the first thing that was dealt with at the Paris Peace Conference. A Commission was also formed to draft a constitution for this organization.
France tried to turn the League of Nations into a military alliance but failed and it was decided that all the enemy states had to give enough proof of their allegiance to the international agreements before becoming a member of the League.
Though a large number of nations became members of the League, the USA and Russia stayed out of it and this made the League weak. Germany was also not included initially.
The League of Nations was established on 20th April 1919 with its headquarters at Geneva, Switzerland. However, due to the unstable condition of Europe in 1919, the League of Nations failed to create a significant political impact.
WBBSE Class 9 Fundamentals Of History Question 10. What were the reasons behind the Great Depression of 1929?
Answer:
The reasons behind the Great Depression of 1929
The Great Economic Depression of 1929 was a worldwide phenomenon that affected most of the developed nations of the world barring the Soviet Union.
Several factors were responsible for this severe economic crisis-
- The problem of excessive production of industrial commodities in the USA after the First World War created a ‘surplus’ that could not be sold at the domestic market or overseas markets.
- After the First World War, the demand for American products in the European countries dropped remarkably which affected the foreign trade of the USA.
- Payment of Reparations made Germany weak and her currency lost all exchange value and the ‘Young Plan’ also failed. After 1918, there was no proper exchange rate among different currencies and the rate of unemployment was high.
- At one point there was unprecedented growth in the American economy but the signs of weakness also lay beneath that economic boom. Soon the crisis became apparent and the economic situation in the US moved toward a depression.
- The food prices collapsed, the farmers were affected and fell into debt for survival, the industrial go-downs were overloaded with stocks, there was a total absence of import or export by the USA and there was large-scale unemployment.
- Finally on 24th October 1929, when the American share market crashed the American economy also crashed.
- The shareholders panicked and sold millions of shares, the banks and the companies incurred huge losses, and the lands of the farmers who failed to repay their mortgages were taken over by the banks.
Question 11. Write a note on Hoover Moratorium.
Answer:
Hoover Moratorium
Herbert C. Hoover was the President of the USA when the Great Economic Depression (1929) hit the world.
This ominous financial situation had a disastrous impact not only on the American economy but also outside America in Central Europe where the economy collapsed. By the summer of 1931, it became evident that there was no easy solution to get out of this economic crisis.
It was under such circumstances Herbert Hoover the President of the USA on 20th June 1931 proposed a one-year international postponement of all payments on intergovernmental debts, reparations, relief debts, etc. He persuaded the European nations to accept his proposal.
He expected that this measure which was known as the ‘Hoover Moratorium’ would bring about economic stability across the world. By July 6th all fifteen of the nations involved had accepted this proposal. The moratorium was supposed to be for a year but actually, the payments were never made in the future.
Question 12. How did the Great Depression (1929) affect America and Europe?
Answer: The Great Depression (1929) had greatly affected America and Europe. The American economy broke down on 24th October 1929 as a result of the Wall Street Crash. The shareholders of the companies were panicked and frantically sold their shares at a very low price.
The banks and companies who had made big investments in the share were hard hit. The property of the farmers who failed to repay their mortgage installments was taken over by the banks. The USA supported the European countries with financial help for their post-war reconstruction.
This was no longer possible and as a result, these countries suffered greatly. The political impact was also immense – many European Governments were overthrown as they failed to wade through this crisis, and many leaders and political parties rose and fell.
The democratic governments failed to adopt any such measures that could solve the problem of unemployment and poverty.
Question 13. How did the Treaty of Versailles give rise to aggressive nationalism?
Answer: The Versailles Treaty was signed between Germany and the Allied Powers in 1919 to establish peace but in reality, it was a ‘dictated treaty’ done to make Germany acknowledge her responsibilities for the loss and damages during the First World War.
The Germans had no voice in the drafting of this treaty but the clause related to the ‘war guilt’ created a strong feeling of resentment and betrayal which in the course of time found its expression in the Nazi ideology of aggressive nationalism.
The leaders of the Conference were extremely harsh and unjust to Germany by designating her as the sole country responsible for causing the war while most of the countries were more or less to be blamed.
Huge economic sanctions were imposed on Germany and she had to pay an amount as high as 6600 million pounds as reparation amount to the Allied parties. German colonies were confiscated in the name of good government while England and France continued to expand their colonies.
One of the points of the Fourteen Points of Woodrow Wilson that stated ‘reduction of armaments’ -applied to Germany only and even a small country like Belgium had a bigger army than Germany.
Woodrow Wilson’s suggestions for the right to self-rule and nationalism were also ignored in the case of Germany and many German-dominated regions were separated from Germany and merged with the non-German neighboring States. All these created a feeling of aggressive nationalism among the Germans which the Nazis exploited to strengthen themselves.
Question 14. Write a note on The Weimar Republic.
Answer:
The Weimar Republic
Kaiser William II was dethroned in 1918 and in the following year in 1919, the Weimar Republic, the government of Germany was formed which lasted till 1933.
As the assembly that adopted its constitution met at Weimar a place near Berlin it was named the Weimar Republic and Friedrich Ebert became its first President. Right from its inception the Weimar Republic was heavily burdened with the economic sanctions and payment of war guilt as imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
There was an economic crisis of 1923 in Germany and the situation aggravated further with the Great Depression of 1929. The revolutionary uprisings of the Spartacus League and the growing movements of the aggressive Nationalists were becoming a cause of great concern for this infant Republic.
The President of the Weimar Republic liberally used Article 48 to impose emergency, suspend civil rights, and rule by decree. The Weimar Republic which was weak from its beginning saw nineteen different cabinets lasting on an average of about 239 days.
Finally, the rise of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party brought about the fall of the Weimar Republic.
WBBSE Class 9 Fundamentals Of History Question 15. What were the reasons behind the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany?
Answer:
The reasons behind the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany
The rise of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party or the Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler in Germany was an event of singular importance in the history of the world.
The humiliating Treaty of Versailles and the weakness of the Weimer Republic created widespread resentment among the Germans. Post World War I, Germany suffered from multiple problems due to inflation, shortage of food and essential commodities, industrial strikes, and unemployment which turned her into a hotbed of grievances.
A sizeable proportion of the German population lost their faith in ‘Democracy’ which was used advantageously by Adolf Hitler. Hitler’s impressive oratory and his propagation of the ‘Herrenvolk Theory’ restored the lost confidence of the common German people and made them lean more towards Nazi ideologies.
The Nazis provided an opportunity to gain military training to the German youths and gained their confidence and also those who opposed the idea of a Communist revolution in Germany lent their support to this dictatorial movement of the Nazis.
Thus in 1933, Adolf Hitler formed the government in Germany, and in 1934 when Hindenburg the President of the German Republic expired he assumed the twin posts of the Prime Minister and the President and declared himself the ‘Fuhrer’.
Question 16. Write a note on the Organization of the Nazi Party.
Answer:
Organization of the Nazi Party
The National Socialist German Workers’ Party or the Nazi Party had several branches and it was through the proper running of these branches or organizations that Adolf Hitler was able to achieve complete Nazi domination over Germany.
The unemployed German youths were enrolled to form a paramilitary squad known as ‘Storm Troopers’ who were entrusted with the task of guarding Nazi rallies and meetings and manhandling opposition leaders and disrupting their meetings. The ‘Storm Troopers’ wore a brown dress and were known as Brown Shirts also.
Higher in position to the Brown Shirts belonged the Elite Group who had the duty of protecting the leader if required by courting death and other important responsibilities.
There were also other sections like the Young Wings, Women’s Wings, People’s Courts, and Civil Prisons which silenced any criticism against Hitler. The ‘Secret Police’ or ‘Gestapo’ was headed by Himmler and it arrested people whom they found doubtful or against Nazism.
Restrictions were imposed on press, speech, and parliamentary discussions, and ‘People’s Observer’ became the mouthpiece of the Nazi Party. The Nazi flag was red and had a black Swastika symbol that stood for pure Aryan blood and the national anthem ‘Awakened German/ was a great source of inspiration to them.
Question 17. State the economic clauses of the Treaty of Versailles.
Answer:
The economic clauses of the Treaty of Versailles
- The First World War ended with the surrender of Germany in 1918 and on 28th June 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was imposed upon her.
- The Allied powers imposed strong economic conditions upon Germany with a deep feeling of vengeance and their primary motivation was to cripple Germany in such a manner so that she could never raise her head in the future.
With this aim
- They made Germany accept the war guilt and agree to pay a compensation of 6600 million pounds in cash, kind, and through service.
- Germany had to surrender the majority of its merchant vessels to England and important ports to France.
- Alsace and Lorraine were taken over by France for 15 years after which the fate of those places would be decided by a plebiscite.
- The Saar region of Germany which was rich in coal was also brought under international control for 15 years.
- Germany lost its colonies in Africa and the Pacific and was forced to supply a special kind of coal, iron, rubber, timber, and other minerals to France, Belgium, Italy, and Luxembourg.
Historians have regarded this economic sanction on Germany as totally impractical as it broke down the backbone of the German economic structure.
According to J.L. Colvin instead of finding solutions the Versailles Treaty paved the path for newer problems.
Question 18. How did the Great Depression of 1929 affect Germany?
Answer: The Wall Street Crash or the Great Depression of 1929 affected Germany greatly and this incident was largely responsible for the rise of Nazism.(in Germany).
Without financial support from America, Germany plunged into a deep economic crisis and her diminished export market resulted in the fall of both prices and wages and rampant bankruptcies.
Inflation and mass unemployment became another feature and the number of unemployed in Germany was as high as 6 million. This created other socio-economic problems as the young jobless men started to sit in the corners of the streets or flocked to the employment exchange or else resorted to criminal activities.
Due to the fall in demand across the world, the agricultural depression also increased leading to further impoverishment of the rural economy. The economic crisis destroyed the middle class and the working class population of Germany.
In such a situation the Germans lost their faith in the Weimar Republic (Republican Government Of Germany) which failed to handle this crisis.
The people now leaned towards political extremism to find a solution to their problem and the Nazis exploited the situation by promising them to nationalize business, provide employment and implement land reforms.
Question 19. How was the Fascist Party founded in Italy?
Answer: Italy had not reaped much benefit from the First World War(1914 to 1918) and they were also unhappy with the way they were treated at the Paris Peace Conference (1919). Post-war Italy was the land of lawlessness and anarchy due to poverty, inflation, peasant revolts, and labor unrest.
The Parliamentary government was weak and unworthy and the common people got frustrated with the democrats. Taking advantage of such circumstances Benito Mussolini formed his Fascist Party with 118 unemployed soldiers and patriots in March 1919.
Through the symbol of the Fascist Party, ‘a bound bundle of rods’, Mussolini paid his respect to the ancient Roman royalty or heritage. The Fascist Party soon started attracting members and by 1921 it had about 3 million members and 35 seats in the election.
In 1922 Mussolini and his followers who were known as Black Shirts invaded Rome took hold of the government and established Fascist rule in Italy.
WBBSE Class 9 Fundamentals Of History Question 20. How was Italy affected by the Great Depression of 1929?
Answer: The Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the consequent Great Depression had affected most of the countries of the world and Italy also had felt its impact. As a result of this economic crisis, many large companies in Italy were crumpled leading to a high number of unemployment.
The Fascist Government in Italy did not expect any financial assistance from the USA or the European countries and wanted to solve the problem on its strength. The government even adopted various measures to prevent the banks from collapsing.
The government also introduced public work schemes and the development of infrastructures to generate employment. As a result of these measures of the Fascist government, the tax-payers were heavily burdened but that helped the country to handle the situation in a little better way than her democratic neighbors.
The Italian economy was not strong enough even at the time when it joined the Second World War in 1940.
Question 21. How did the First World War help the USA to emerge as a world power?
Answer: The USA joined the First World War on the side of the Allies in 1917, which strengthened the Allied Powers and made the Central Powers surrender in 1918, marking the end of the war, The First World War helped the USA to emerge as a world power that had at its disposal -military strength, economic growth, and international respect.
The great powers or the empires of the pre-war period became weak after the First World War. The power of France became negligible and Russia became the USSR so it was only Great Britain who still had some power but that was not much compared with the strength of the USA.
Rather the European countries started depending on the USA for financial support. The Great Depression of 1929 struck a blow to the US economy no doubt but it soon revived under the ‘New Deal’ policy of F.D. Roosevelt.
Prosperity was regained by the USA over a while, unlike the European nations who were exhausted both economically and militarily. Thus the First World War helped the USA to become a world power.
Question 22. What were the causes behind the Spanish Civil War (1936 to 1939)?
Answer:
The causes behind the Spanish Civil War (1936 to 1939)
The Spanish Civil War took place between General Franco the dictatorial Nationalist leader and the Republican government of Spain.
Spain was under monarchical rule for a long and when the Republican Government was formed it wanted to improve the condition of the common people but the monarchists, the communists, and the fascists opposed those measures which resulted in revolts and internal disturbances.
In the election of 1933 in Spain the Rightist parties assumed power but due to their unpopular policies the country once again plunged into chaos and disorder.
To end the crisis election was again held in 1936 in which the Popular Front government won the majority; but when the Popular Front tried to undertake some welfare measures it was opposed by right-winger Falange and the Spanish Fascist Party.
It was under such a chaotic situation that the military General Franco organized a revolt to oust the Republicans and establish his dictatorial rule in Spain. Thus a civil war began in Spain in July 1936 between the (right-wing group) Nationalists on the side of General Franco and the Republicans (the left wing).
The Nationalists received the support of Hitler and Mussolini and the Republicans received the support of the Soviet Union while Britain and France remained neutral. General Franco emerged victorious in the Spanish Civil War. (1936-1939)
Question 23. How did the Spanish Civil War create a struggle between the supporters and opponents of Fascism?
Answer: The Spanish Civil War took place in July 1936, when a part of the Spanish army under the leadership of General Franco revolted against the Popular Front government. It had a far-reaching impact that extended beyond the geographical limits of Spain.
This war witnessed two fundamental divides- the right-wing followers or the Nationalists and the left-wing followers or the Republicans. The Nationalists under General Franco received help from the Fascist leaders of Italy and Germany namely Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler.
These leaders provided the Nationalists with war equipment and soldiers with the ulterior motive of strengthening Fascist power in the world. Soviet Union on the other hand strongly resented the growth of Fascism, propagated the ideas of Socialism, and naturally rendered their support to the Republicans.
It may be mentioned here that Indian leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru being aware of the dangers of the possible growth of Fascism also extended their support to the Republicans.
Britain and France stayed away from the entire event and maintained a neutral stance for they viewed the Spanish civil war as the Fight between autocratic ideas and emerging communism. Finally, with the help of Italy and Germany, General Franco got the victory in the Spanish Civil War(1936 to 1939).
Question 24. Discuss the causes of the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
The causes of the Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution of 1917 which overthrew the Czarist regime in Russia was a significant event in the history of mankind.
Several factors contributed to the outbreak of this revolt-
- The reactionary, autocratic rule of the Czars oppressed the people so much that they became thirsty for a revolution.
- The majority of the Russian population was formed with peasants who lived in abject poverty and deplorable conditions during the Czarist rule.
- Even the Emancipation Statute of Alexander II and the laws made by Stolypin could not help the farmers much. The majority of the freed serfs could not buy land or own property.
- The condition of the industrial workers who formed about 15% of the population was equally miserable-they had low salaries, lived in slums, had vexing working hours, and were even denied the right to form Trade Union or organize a protest. Slow industrialization failed to provide employment.
- Russian philosophers and writers like Gorky, Gogol, Tolstoy, and others also inspired the people through their writings. The writings of Karl Marx on Scientific Socialism greatly motivated the people of Russia.
- The Russianisation or Russification policy of the Czar agitated the minority population very much.
- The defeat of Russia in the Crimean War, the Russo-Japanese War, and the First World War exposed the weakness of the Czarist rule and the inefficiency of the Russian soldiers who were now shifting their allegiance to the Bolsheviks.
- The able leadership of Lenin, his April Theses, and the role of the Bolsheviks in improving the condition of the peasants earned them great popularity among the masses.
- The Revolt of 1905 failed but it provided the groundwork for the Russian Revolution. It is said that the Revolution of 1905 was the dress rehearsal without which the Revolution of 1917 would have been impossible.
- Finally, Russia’s participation and subsequent withdrawal from the First World War led to economic crises like a shortage of food and essential commodities.
All these factors together led the peasants, workers, soldiers, and the common people to unite under Lenin and his Bolshevik Party and bring about a complete change in the system of administration.
Hence there was the revolution of 1917 which ended Czarist rule in Russia with the dethronement of Czar Nicholas II.
Question 25. What was the political impact of the Russian Revolution on Russia and the other countries?
Answer:
The political impact of the Russian Revolution on Russia and the other countries
The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 was an epoch-making event comparable only to the French Revolution of 1789.
But unlike the French Revolution which to a large extent was limited within Europe, the Bolshevik Revolution had crossed the borders of Russia and initiated a world revolution. The Russian Revolution changed the social, political, and economic life of Russia radically.
It ended the tyrannical rule of the Czar, abolished the privileges of the aristocrats, curbed the power of the Church, and successfully enforced the sovereign power of the proletariat.
Russia was renamed as ‘The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics’ and the peasants, workers, and common citizens got the chance to set up their government for the first time. The non-Russians who formed 20% of Russia’s population (Poles, Armenians, Turks, Finns, etc) who faced severe oppression during the Czarist rule also earned equal status after the Revolution.
Thus the Marxian philosophy of the establishment of the rule of the proletariat left its mark for the first time all over the world. As a result of its global impact – the Bolshevik Revolution ended the Hohenzollern dynasty and the Hapsburg dynasty in Germany and Austria respectively.
The German soldiers were highly inspired by the November Revolution. The Russian Revolution became an inspiration to the anti-colonial, freedom movements in the countries of Asia and Africa.
The revolution had an immense impact on the Indian revolutionaries too. In many countries of the world Communist Parties were formed and Socialist movements started taking place.
Seeing this rising popularity of Socialism and Communist ideologies Lenin set up the Third International or Comintern in Moscow in 1920. It was attended by M. N. Roy as the representative of India.
Communism thus spread to the European countries like Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Albania, Hungary, and East Germany(old). In Asia the Communist rule was established in China and South America, and Cuba became a Communist country.
Question 26. Briefly discuss the timeline of the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
The Timeline of the Russian Revolution
- The Russian Revolution of 1917 was an event of singular importance in the history of mankind.
- It ended the Czarist regime and established the socialist rule in Russia. However, the movement had its roots in the Revolution of 1905 which exposed the true nature and weakness of the Czarist autocracy.
- In 1914, Russia joined the First World War on the side of the Allies. But Russia at that time was not ready to take part in such a venture which ultimately shook her economy severely. This along with other socio-political and economic factors determined the Russians to take the path of a revolution.
- On 25th February 1917, there were strikes in Petrograd which involved more than 200,000 workers.
- On 1st March 1917, a Provisional Government was formed.
- On 12th March 1917, Czar Nicholas II abdicated and Russia was declared a Republic by the Provisional Government. Program of democratic reform and civil liberties were announced. But there was chaos and violence everywhere.
- On April 3rd, 1917, Lenin returned from exile, and with that things started taking a turn.
- On April 7th, 1917, Lenin Declared his April Theses and decided to transform the democratic movement into a socialist one.
- On April 24th, 1917 the Russians protested against her participation in the First World War and this aggravated the situation leading to the fall of the Provisional Government.
- On May 5th, 1917, the new Provisional Government was formed by Alexander Kerensky but this also lost its popularity within a short time.
- In July 1917 the Bolsheviks attempted an uprising.
- In September 1917, the Bolsheviks obtained a majority at the Petrograd and Moscow Soviets, and as the influence of Lenin increased more people particularly the working class leaned towards the Bolshevik Party.
- In October 1917, the Bolsheviks made up their minds to seize power.
- On November 6th, 1917, the military committee of the Petrograd Soviet asked the armed workers to occupy the capital On November 7th, 1917.
- The Red Guards under the leadership of Trotsky captured government offices, banks, telephone exchanges, and rail stations and Alexander Kerensky the leader of the Menshevik Party and the Prime Minister of the Second Provisional Government fled.
- The Bolsheviks seized the power of the State thus making the Russian Revolution a success.
Question 27. Write a note on the New Economic Policy of Lenin.
Answer:
The New Economic Policy of Lenin
The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 was a significant event in the history of mankind. It brought about extensive changes in the socio-political and economic life of Russia and successfully established the sovereign power of the Proletariat.
But soon after coming to power, the Bolshevik Party had to face the twin challenges of the Civil War (1918) and foreign invasion which affected her economy. Lenin realized that his previous economic system called War Communism failed to fulfill the need of the hour so in 1921, he introduced the New Economic Policy.
It was a shift from the concept of pure Communism and Lenin had to face resistance from his colleagues which he completely rejected. An astute statesman as he was he did not limit himself to a ‘Textbook Communist’
The primary features of his New Economic Policy were
- The surplus crops of the farmers were not taken from them and they could sell them in the open market after payment of taxes
- State control over small and medium-sized industries was withdrawn and nationalization was applied only to big industries
- Private ownership was allowed for small and medium-sized enterprises
- Workers were given the right to enjoy suitable wages
- The industries like coal, iron, and railways were under the State
- Except for foreign trade, all other trades were brought under individual control
- Private investment of capital could be made in internal trade.
All these measures were a deviation from Marxism no doubt but it was realistic and it saved the Russian economy from a disaster. This New Economic Policy led to the re-establishment of capitalism in Russia but it provided an impetus to production and improved the condition of both, industries and agriculture.
Question 28. Write a note on April Theses of Lenin.
Answer:
April Theses of Lenin
- Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov popularly known as Lenin, the great communist revolutionary of Russia was the main architect of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
- The Provisional Government that was formed after the revolution in March 1917, under the leader of the Menshevik Party, Alexander Kerensky, failed to achieve any success and soon lost its popularity.
- The people gradually leaned more towards the Bolshevik Party which demanded that all powers were to be given to the “Soviets”, the true representatives of the nation.
- Amid all these tensions, Lenin returned to Russia from his exile in Switzerland on 16th April 1917. He also presented his famous ‘April Theses’ titled ‘What is to be done’ to the workers.
- In the thesis, Lenin said by coming to power the Bolshevik Party would immediately end the war with Germany that was started by the Provisional Government and establish peace in the country.
- As it was possibly the most opportune moment for the Bolsheviks Lenin advocated the idea of ‘Now or Never’ for them. He wanted the Bolsheviks to hold a government lawfully.
- The Bolsheviks would establish control of the State over the production and distribution system and the banks too. He further insisted to seize the property of the landlords and distribute it among the poor peasants.
- He advocated for the nationalization of industries. Along with that, he wanted the establishment of the workers’ authority over them. He urged the workers, peasants, soldiers, and common people to unite and establish the ‘Dictatorship of the Proletariat’.
- He promised that by coming to power the Bolsheviks would ensure bread to the workers, land to the peasants, and peace to the army. This slogan of ‘Peace, Land, and Bread’ heightened the popularity of the Bolshevik Party.
Question 29. Discuss the social and economic impact of the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
The social and economic impact of the Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a significant event in the history of mankind. This revolution can be compared with the French Revolution of 1789 and to a certain extent with the Industrial Revolution of the 18th Century.
But the magnanimity of this Revolution surpassed all other revolutions and brought about a world revolution and global renaissance.
As a result of the Russian Revolution, the social system underwent great changes—
- Socialism was established in Russia which posed a threat to the traditional Capitalist Social order,
- Communism gathered strength in countries like China, India, East European countries, Cuba, and the Middle East
- Welfare measures for the workers were adopted by countries like England and France to stall the growth of Communism
- To curb the growing strength of Communism these countries even adhered to a compromising stance on Fascism
- The rise of Fascism in the 1930s can be the indirect result of the Russian Revolution.
In the economic sphere also changes could be viewed. Russia being the first Communist State in the world abolished private property as a factor for production and the motive to earn profit was eliminated.
The Bolshevik Government under Lenin introduced the system called War Communism which led to state control of every economic activity. These concepts of State control over private property and nationalization of industries struck fear in the hearts of the capitalists.
Question 30. Briefly describe the events of the First World War.
Answer:
The events of the First World War
The First World War (1914 to 1918) was a total war that was fought on land, water, and air, destroyed innumerable lives and properties across the globe, and left a lasting impact on the minds of both the people and the leaders of the world.
The two contestants of this war were the Allied Powers comprising Britain, France, Russia, and Serbia, and the Central Powers comprising of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey.
The immediate cause of the war was the assassination of the Austrian Prince Ferdinand and his wife Sophie by a Slav terrorist named Gavrilo Princip, in Sarajevo. As soon as Austria attacked Serbia, Russia sent her help to Serbia, and Austria was aided by Germany who sent ultimatums to both Russia and France.
But neither France nor Russia paid any heed to the German threat and the latter eventually declared war on them in August 1914. Germany’s demand to invade France through Belgium was not liked by England and she also declared war against Germany on August 4th, 1914.
While Turkey sided with the Central Powers, Japan supported England and France and Italy also joined them in 1915. In 1917, the USA also joined the war on the side of the Allied Powers due to the naval aggression of Germany.
The First World War was fought on both the Western Front and the Eastern Front- in the Western Front at first, the French army retreated before the German attack but ultimately France succeeded against Germany in the Battle of Marne.
Some of the famous battles fought in the war were the Battle of Gallipoli( 1915 ), the Naval Battle of Jutland (1916), the Battle of Verdun ( 1916 ), and the Battle of the Somme ( 1916 ). The trench warfare continued for quite a few years with tenacity between the warring powers and took a heavy toll on both men and machines.
On the eastern front, Germany defeated the Russians in the Battle of Tannenberg and captured Ukraine and some other regions but soon the Russian Revolution (1917) broke out and the new government of Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany and withdrew from the war.
USA’s entry into the war on the side of the Allied Powers had a decisive impact as it redoubled the strength of the Allies and exposed the hopeless situation of the Central Powers.
Question 31. Briefly narrate the effects of the First World War.
Answer:
The effects of the First World War
The First World War that took place between 1914 to 1918 was a phenomenal event in the history of mankind and its impact on the world was immense.
It was a destructive event that involved the killing of about one crore of thirty lakh soldiers and spending of around twenty-eight thousand crore dollars. Thousands and thousands were injured and mutilated, and shortage of food, the spread of diseases, pandemics, and financial crises prevailed.
In a situation like this when men being affected by the war were relegated to the background women in most countries came up and took the responsibility of business and other financial burdens thereby bringing a great transformation in the society.
In many countries as a result of this war monarchy came to an end, democracy was championed and the rights of the people were recognized. Almost all the countries who participated in the war faced great hardships and their progress was deterred.
While Germany was heavily burdened by the economic sanctions imposed upon her by the Treaty of Versailles and existed amid great uncertainty the Ottoman Kingdom and Austria-Flungary collapsed completely.
In the post-war period, nationalist fervor rose in the British colonies outside Europe, who put forward their demand for Independence. The growth of capitalism and scientific advancements were the important consequences of the First World War.
The Russian Revolution started in 1917 in the middle of the First World War and a Civil War also broke out that continued for almost three years after the war. Improvement in technologies, transport, and communication, and development in armaments were some of the features of the post-war period.
The center of power in the world now shifted from Europe to the USA as her participation in the First World War enabled the Allied Powers to achieve victory. Her economic prosperity and technological advancement also enabled her to become the power center of the world.
The League of Nations was also established in 1919 on President Woodrow Wilson’s insistence to prevent the world from future armed conflicts and promote international peace.
Question 32. Write a note on the Paris Peace Conference.
Answer:
Paris Peace Conference
On 11th November 1918, an armistice was signed and Germany surrendered marking the end of the First World War. On January 18th 1919 (the Allied Powers and representatives of 32 friendly nations met at a conference in Paris which is known as the Paris Peace Conference.
England, France, the USA, Italy, Greece, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and others were the main countries present at the conference and George Clemenceau the French Prime Minister assumed the leading role.
The primary aims of this conference were to reconstruct the map of Europe, establish peace and security and determine the clauses of truces to be signed with the defeated nations. Although representatives from 32 nations were present at the Paris Peace Conference it was the ‘Big Four’ whose representations were of immense importance.
The ‘Big Four’ were Woodrow Wilson, the U.S. President, Lloyd George the British Prime Minister, George Clemenceau the French Prime Minister and Vittorio Orlando the Italian Premier, who represented the interests of the Allies.
After prolonged discussions and considerations, the Allies decided to sign five treaties with the defeated nations.
They were-
- The Treaty of Versailles between Germany and the Allied Powers (1919)
- The Treaty of Saint Germain between Austria and the Allied Powers (1919)
- The Treaty Of Neuilly between Bulgaria and the Allied Powers (1919)
- The Treaty of Trianon between Hungary and the Allied Powers (1920)
- The Treaty of Sevres between Turkey and the Allied Powers (1920).
US President Woodrow Wilson also suggested setting up an organization that would prevent war among the nations in the future and promote peace. In short, we can say that Woodrow Wilson expressed his desire to form the League of Nations, at the Paris Peace Conference.
Question 33. Critically estimate the Treaty of Versailles
Answer:
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed between Germany and the Allied Powers on 28th June 1919. The primary objective of the treaty was to weaken Germany in such a way that it could never raise its head again in Europe.
The Treaty provided Germany with a new boundary. Alsace-Lorraine was given to France, Eupen-Malmedy to Belgium, Memelland was under French supervision, and Saarland was placed under the administration of the League of Nations but France had control of its coal.
In the east Poland was resurrected, given most of formerly German West Prussia and Posen, given a ‘corridor’ to the Baltic Sea, and also given part of Upper Silesia after a plebiscite.
All the overseas colonies of Germany in China, in the Pacific, and in Africa were taken over by Britain, France, Japan, and allied nations. The Allied Powers made Germany accept the war guilt and a compensation of 6600 million pounds were demanded which was practically impossible for Germany to pay without upsetting the international finances.
According to historian Langsam, the Treaty ensured that Germany lost 25,000 square miles of land, 7 million people, 12% of livestock, and 10% of heavy industries. The Board of Staffs or Generals of the German army was dissolved.
The German fleet was surrendered to the Allies. The compulsory military training was banned and her army was reduced to 1 million. The Treaty ignored the principle of self-determination.
The clause stating the reduction of armaments ( Fourteen Points of Woodrow Wilson) was applied only to Germany. Hence the Treaty of Versailles is regarded as ‘a dictated treaty’ that humiliated the Germans greatly who started looking for an opportunity to retaliate against this.
According to E. H. Carr- The Treaty of Versailles sowed the seeds of the Second World War.
Question 34. What were the aims of the League of Nations? Why did the League of Nations fail?
Answer:
The aims of the League of Nations
The League of Nations was an international organization that was established in 1920 with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The founders of the League of Nations desperately considered ways to establish peace in the world and tried to avoid the repetition of the horrors of the First World War.
Keeping this in mind the League tried to prevent war through collective security. It wanted to promote honorable and just relationships among the nations and international disarmament.
It also aimed at settling disputes between the nations through negotiation and diplomacy. The League also undertook measures of global welfare like protecting the women and children and just treatment to the working class people.
The League also adopted measures to improve the health of the human race. In spite of all the good intentions of the League of Nations, the organization failed.
Many reasons contributed to the cause of the failure of the League of Nations-
- The absence of some of the great powers like the USA, Russia, Japan, and Italy failed to make the League a true representative of the world. Especially the absence of the USA the most powerful nation reduced the effectiveness of the League.
- The selfishness and the narrow mentality of the Superpowers hindered the development of friendship and cooperation between the nations,
- The dictator of Germany, Adolf Hitler paid no heed to the League of Nations and executed his aggressive policies ( conquered Czechoslovakia, and Austria).
- The League which possessed no military power failed to check such aggressive policies by mere protests,
- The League could not even impose economic sanctions without the cooperation of the great powers who were only guided by their selfish interests,
- The peace-making efforts of the League failed all the more with the rise of dictatorship in the different countries of Europe in the 1930s. Finally, with the fall of Poland, the League of Nations collapsed.
Question 35. Discuss the features of Nazism and Fascism.
Answer:
The features of Nazism and Fascism
The National Socialist German Workers’ Party was first formed by Drexlar and later when Adolf Hitler joined the party together they changed its name to Nazi Party.
Nazism was an anti-intellectual movement which derived its inspiration from its dictator. Nazism attempted to reconcile conservative, nationalist ideology with a socially radical doctrine.
It rejected the theories of rationalism, democracy, and liberalism and emphasized on complete subordination of the individual to the state which was again subservient to the Party or the leader of the Party.
It also stresses the inequality of men and races and the right of the strong to dominate the weak and suppress competing political, religious, or social institutions.
It propagated the theory of harshness and ferocity and partly destroyed class distinctions by drawing into the movement the misfits and failures from all the social classes. Hatred for the Jews, anti-Semitism, and racialism were the ideals of the Nazis.
Fascism was a form of far-right dictatorial form of political system that was developed by Benito Mussolini of Italy. The characteristic features of Fascism may be described as
It adhered to an extreme militaristic nationalism that was associated with the worship of the nation and the leader.
It had no faith in electoral democracy and political and cultural liberalism Fascism advocated for natural social hierarchy and the rule of the elites.
It also wanted to create a ‘people’s community’ where individual interests would be subservient to the good of the nation. The Fascists who glorified the nation were therefore Communists as the communists were internationalists.
War, according to this theory was an integral part of the political system and the concept of peace in politics was a distant concept. Both ideologies seemed to be friendly to the common people but in reality, their actual agendas were all hidden.
They provided a huge boost to nationalism no doubt but their interpretation of nationalism was very partisan.
Question 36. What was the Great Depression of 1929? How far was it responsible for the rise of Nazism?
Answer:
The Great Depression of 1929
The US economy showed a steady rise after the First World War and it appeared that America would be the land of endless prosperity and permanent abundance.
This economic boom even prompted US President H. C. Hoover to declare about the bright future of his motherland. But within this unprecedented economic growth lay the signs of weakness that had not surfaced during that time.
Signs of economic stress that were evident by 1929 like the artificial increase in the value of companies, speculation in shares, and borrowing from the bank for speculative investments were ignored.
Amid the economic boom, the experienced dealers started to sell their shares in September 1929 which created panic and the sale of shares dipped. People now grew desperate to dispose of their shares before the market prices went down any further.
On 24th October 1929 which is referred to as ‘Black Thursday’ the American share market crashed and the USA was plunged into a great economic crisis.
The Great Depression led to the fall in the price of food grains, borrowing by farmers or flocking to towns for survival, and stock pilling of goods for the want of a market, neither import nor export of American goods was possible and as the industries were hard hit there rose the problem of large scale unemployment.
The Great Depression spread from the USA to other countries of the world like a devastating earthquake and the situation was termed as ‘World Economic Depression’.
The Great Depression struck a blow at the base of the global economy and the ordinary people lost their faith in a capitalist economy and liberal democratic ideas as a result.
The German economy was particularly hard hit due to the Great Depression and the Germans being disillusioned with democracy were drawn towards Nazism.
There was mass unemployment in Germany and the withdrawal of loans by American investors. shook her economy. Even one of the banks of the joint stock in Germany collapsed in 1931.
The Republican Government failed to steer the country out of this miserable economic condition and the people too lost their faith in them.
The German middle class and working class population were ruined. The Nazis exploited this situation and promised to provide employment to the workers, implement land reforms for the peasants and nationalize the big business.
Historian, Hobsbawm rightly said that the Great Depression was responsible for turning Adolf Hitler (Leader of the Nazi Party) into a German hero.