CBSE Class 9 History Important Questions - Chapter 2 Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

1. What was the Suffragette movement? Which group supported it?

Ans: The Suffragette movement was a campaign that aimed to give women the right to vote. This movement began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as women across different countries pushed for their right to participate in elections. They organised protests, petitions, and public demonstrations to demand voting rights. Women’s groups and activists, including organisations like the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Britain, supported these efforts. Their hard work eventually led to women gaining voting rights in many places, marking a key achievement in gender equality.

2. Why were there revolutionary disturbances in Russia in 1905? What did the revolutionaries want?

Ans: In 1905, Russia faced widespread unrest due to poor economic conditions, political repression, and military failures. Many Russians were unhappy with low wages, high taxes, and bad working conditions. The revolutionaries, including workers, peasants, and political groups, demanded reforms to address these issues. They wanted better working conditions, more political freedoms, and a more representative government. Their protests, strikes, and riots led to significant political changes and set the stage for future revolutionary events in Russia.

3. Why did people in Central Asia react differently to the Russian Revolution?

Ans: The reactions to the Russian Revolution in Central Asia were varied due to different local experiences and concerns. Some people supported the revolution, hoping it would bring social and economic improvements. Others were resistant because they feared losing their cultural practices or local autonomy. The diverse reactions were influenced by factors like ethnic identity, local governance, and the impact of the revolution on their daily lives. These mixed responses reflected the complex effects of the revolution across different regions.

4. What were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905?

Ans: Before 1905, Russia had a deeply unequal society with severe economic and social problems. Most people were peasants living in poverty, working on land owned by wealthy nobles. The industrial workers faced tough conditions, including long hours and low pay. Politically, Russia was an autocracy, ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, who had absolute power. The lack of political rights and the government's refusal to address widespread social issues created widespread discontent among different social classes, leading to revolutionary sentiments.

5. What are the differences between liberals and democrats?

Ans: Liberals and democrats have different views on government and society. Liberals focus on individual rights and freedoms, advocating for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. They support free markets and personal liberty. Democrats, in contrast, emphasise the importance of broad participation in government and seek to ensure equal opportunities for all. They believe in more government involvement to address social inequalities and promote fairness. Both support democratic principles, but their approaches to achieving equality and freedom differ.

6. How was the working population in Russia different from other European countries before 1917?

Ans: Before 1917, Russia’s working population had several distinct differences compared to Europe. Many Russian workers were engaged in agriculture, whereas Europe had a larger industrial workforce. Russian industrial workers faced worse conditions, including lower wages and longer hours. The industrial sector in Russia was less developed compared to Western Europe. Additionally, Russian workers had less political power and fewer rights, which contributed to greater dissatisfaction and revolutionary fervour compared to their European counterparts.

7. What is a significant view of the radicals?

Ans: Radicals are known for their strong belief in making quick and fundamental changes to society and politics. They argue that the current system is deeply flawed and needs a complete overhaul to address social injustices. Radicals often push for revolutionary changes rather than gradual reforms. They want to break away from traditional structures and create new systems that promote equality and fairness, challenging established norms and taking bold actions to achieve their goals.

8. What are some features of Socialism? List three points.

Ans: Socialism includes several key features:

• Collective Ownership: Resources and businesses are owned by the community or the state, not by private individuals.

• Economic Equality: Socialism aims to reduce the gap between the rich and poor by distributing wealth more fairly.

• Government Role: The government plays a major role in managing the economy and providing essential services like healthcare and education to ensure everyone has their basic needs met.

9. Why did the Tsarist autocracy fall in 1917?

Ans: The Tsarist autocracy fell in 1917 due to a combination of problems. The Russian monarchy, led by Tsar Nicholas II, faced serious issues such as military failures in World War I, which caused a lot of suffering and shortages. Economic problems, including food shortages and high inflation, led to widespread unrest. Many people were unhappy with the lack of political reforms and the harsh conditions they faced. In February 1917, these problems led to the Tsar’s abdication and the end of autocratic rule.

10. Who was Karl Marx? What were his views on Capitalism?

Ans: Karl Marx was a 19th-century philosopher and economist who is best known for his critique of capitalism. He argued that capitalism was an unfair system where workers were exploited for their labour. Marx believed that capitalists made profits by paying workers less than the value of what they produced. He thought that capitalism created inequality and concentrated wealth in the hands of a few. Marx predicted that capitalism would eventually be replaced by socialism, where resources would be shared more equally.

11. List the main events and effects of the February and October Revolutions. Describe who was involved, the leaders, and the impact on Soviet history.

Ans: February Revolution:

• Main Events: Tsar Nicholas II abdicated; a provisional government was set up.

• Effects: Ended the Romanov dynasty; started democratic reforms.

• Leaders: Alexander Kerensky and other provisional government members.

October Revolution:

• Main Events: Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, took control of the government.

• Effects: Created a communist state; led to withdrawal from World War I; major social changes.

• Leaders: Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party.

12. What led to the rise of industries in Russia by the end of the 19th century? Give two reasons.

Ans: The rise of industries in Russia by the end of the 19th century was driven by the expansion of the railway network, which helped transport goods and resources more efficiently. Additionally, the Russian government promoted industrial growth as part of its modernisation efforts to compete with other industrialised nations. These developments helped boost industrial activity and led to the growth of cities.

13. What were the main changes introduced by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?

Ans: After the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks made several key changes. They nationalised industries, taking control from private owners and putting them under state management. They redistributed land from large landowners to peasants, breaking up large estates. They also withdrew from World War I and introduced social reforms to improve workers’ rights and provide better access to education and healthcare. These changes aimed to establish a communist state and address the inequalities of the old regime.

14. What were the Kulaks?

Ans: Kulaks were wealthier farmers in Russia who owned larger farms and hired labourers. During the Soviet era, particularly during Stalin’s collectivisation campaign, the Kulaks were targeted as class enemies. The government accused them of being obstacles to the collectivisation process and took measures to remove them or punish them severely. This often included confiscating their property and deporting them to labour camps, disrupting their lives and agricultural production.

15. What was the economic condition of workers at the start of the 20th century?

Ans: At the beginning of the 20th century, workers in Russia faced harsh economic conditions. They endured low wages, long working hours, and unsafe working environments. Many workers lived in poor conditions with inadequate housing and basic amenities. These difficulties led to widespread dissatisfaction and contributed to the growing demands for better working conditions, higher wages, and political reforms. This unrest played a significant role in the revolutionary movements of the time.

16. What was Stalin’s collectivization program?

Ans: Stalin’s collectivisation program aimed to combine individual farms into large, state-controlled farms called collectives. This policy was meant to increase agricultural efficiency and allow the government to control agriculture more effectively. Farmers were forced to join these collectives, which led to widespread resistance and disruption. Many peasants lost their land and faced severe hardships as a result, leading to a significant impact on agricultural production and rural life.

17. What was the Duma? Write a brief note.

Ans: The Duma was a legislative body established in Russia in 1905 by Tsar Nicholas II. It was created to address demands for political reform and offer some degree of representative government. The Duma was intended to provide a platform for discussing laws and policies. However, its powers were limited, and the Tsar retained significant control over important decisions. The Duma’s creation was a step towards modernization, but it did not fully meet the demands for democratic reforms.

18. What were the viewpoints of conservatives?

Ans: Conservatives generally believed in maintaining traditional values and resisting rapid changes in society. They preferred stability and gradual reform rather than revolutionary changes. Conservatives supported existing social structures and institutions, aiming to preserve the established order. They were cautious about altering long-standing norms and often sought to maintain continuity and avoid disruptions to societal practices.

19. What was the relationship between peasants and nobles in 19th-century Russia?

Ans: In 19th-century Russia, peasants worked on land owned by nobles and faced challenging conditions. Nobles had significant control over peasant life, including labour duties and land rights. Peasants often lived in poverty and had limited opportunities for advancement. This unequal relationship created tension and resentment among peasants, who were exploited and had little say in their own lives, leading to widespread discontent and calls for change.

20. What happened on ‘Bloody Sunday’?

Ans: ‘Bloody Sunday’ occurred on January 22, 1905, when Russian soldiers opened fire on a peaceful protest in St. Petersburg. The protesters, led by Father Gapon, were marching to present a petition to Tsar Nicholas II, asking for reforms and better working conditions. The violent response from the soldiers resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, causing outrage and further unrest. This event was a turning point that contributed to the revolutionary movements and demands for change in Russia.

21. Who was Giuseppe Mazzini?

Ans: Giuseppe Mazzini was an Italian political activist and revolutionary leader in the 19th century. He is known for his efforts to unify Italy and promote democratic ideals. Mazzini founded the organisation “Young Italy,” which aimed to create a united and independent Italian republic. His ideas and activism played a significant role in the Italian unification movement, influencing the course of Italian history and inspiring other revolutionary movements across Europe.

22. Define socialists. Who is the international body formed to coordinate socialist efforts?

Ans: Socialists are people who believe in creating a society where wealth and resources are shared more equally among everyone. They advocate for collective ownership of businesses and resources, aiming to reduce economic inequalities. The international body formed to coordinate socialist efforts is the “Socialist International.” It brings together various socialist and labour parties from around the world to work towards common goals of social justice and economic fairness.

23. Write a brief note about the positive aspects of the Bolshevik government on the Soviet Union and its people.

Ans: The Bolshevik government, established after the October Revolution, brought several positive changes to the Soviet Union. It introduced reforms that improved workers’ rights, including better working conditions and shorter hours. The government also nationalised industries and redistributed land to peasants, aiming to reduce economic inequalities. Social services, such as education and healthcare, were expanded, making them more accessible to everyone. These changes aimed to create a more equitable society and address some of the injustices of the previous regime.

24. What were the main reasons for the Russian Revolution in 1917?

Ans: The Russian Revolution happened because people were hungry and suffering from shortages caused by World War I. They were unhappy with Tsar Nicholas II, who was not solving their problems. The country had many economic and social issues, and people wanted change. The government’s inability to fix these problems led to widespread anger, which helped the revolution succeed and end the Tsar’s rule.

25. How did the Russian Revolution affect the world?

Ans: The Russian Revolution changed the world by spreading the ideas of communism. It inspired other countries to start their revolutionary movements. The rise of the Soviet Union led to global competition with capitalist countries, known as the Cold War. It also influenced decolonisation and anti-imperialist efforts, shaping global politics and relations for many years.

26. What was the role of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Revolution?

Ans: The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, played a key role in the Russian Revolution. They took over the government in October 1917 by overthrowing the Provisional Government. They promised to solve the problems of workers and peasants. After taking control, they set up a new communist government, which changed Russia’s social, economic, and political systems.

Important Topics of Class 9 History Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

In Class 9 History Chapter 2 important topics, students learn about socialism and how the Russian Revolution changed the world. These topics show how big events shaped history.

Benefits of Learning with Class 9 History Chapter 2 Important Questions 

• Learning this chapter helps students understand how socialism began and how it affected societies, showing the impact of sharing resources.

• It explains why the Russian Revolution happened and its effects, helping students see why Russia changed and how it influenced other countries.

• By studying leaders like Vladimir Lenin, students learn about the important figures who led the revolution and made key decisions.

• Reviewing the main events of the Russian Revolution helps students understand their importance and how they changed history.

• Knowing the global effects of the Russian Revolution shows how these ideas inspired movements in other countries and affected world politics.

Conclusion 

Understanding the main topics in Class 9 History Chapter 2, "Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution," helps students learn how socialism started and its effects on societies. It explains why the Russian Revolution happened, its impact, and the role of leaders like Lenin. These topics are important for seeing how big changes in history influenced the modern world. To get better prepared for exams and understand these ideas more, practice with the Important Questions. For additional help and resources, visit Vedantu to get the support you need for your studies.

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