NCERT Solutions for Class 9 History Chapter 2 – Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution – Important Questions with Answers

1. What is socialism?
   Answer: Socialism is a political and economic system where the means of production and distribution are owned collectively to ensure equality and welfare for all citizens.

2. Why did socialism gain popularity in Europe?
   Answer: Socialism emerged due to harsh working conditions during the Industrial Revolution. Workers sought a system that ensured fair wages, equality, and social justice.

3. What were the main features of a socialist society?
   Answer: Socialist societies advocate collective ownership, planned economy, equal distribution of wealth, end of class divisions, and state responsibility for people’s welfare.

4. How did the Russian Empire function before the revolution?
   Answer: Russia was an autocracy under Tsar Nicholas II, with centralized power, no constitution, suppressed opposition, and a vast empire with diverse ethnic groups.

5. What led to discontent among the Russian people?
   Answer: Widespread poverty, lack of political freedom, brutal working conditions, food shortages, and losses in World War I caused mass dissatisfaction with the Tsar.

6. Who were the Bolsheviks?
   Answer: The Bolsheviks were a radical socialist group led by Vladimir Lenin. They believed in a disciplined party, revolution, and workers’ control of the state.

7. What was the role of Lenin in the Russian Revolution?
   Answer: Lenin provided ideological leadership, opposed the Provisional Government, led the October Revolution, and laid the foundation for a socialist Soviet Russia.

8. What was the 1905 Revolution in Russia?
   Answer: It was a mass protest against the Tsar after Bloody Sunday, leading to strikes, uprisings, and the formation of the Duma (parliament), though with limited power.

9. What is Bloody Sunday?
   Answer: On January 22, 1905, peaceful protesters led by Father Gapon were fired upon by Tsar’s troops in St. Petersburg, sparking national outrage and protests.

10. What was the February Revolution of 1917?
    Answer: It was a spontaneous uprising due to food shortages and war failures. The Tsar abdicated, and a Provisional Government was formed.

11. What was the October Revolution of 1917?
    Answer: Led by the Bolsheviks, the October Revolution overthrew the Provisional Government. It marked the beginning of Soviet rule under Lenin’s leadership.

12. What were Soviets and what role did they play?
    Answer: Soviets were councils of workers and soldiers formed during revolutions. They represented grassroots democracy and supported the Bolsheviks in seizing power.

13. What happened to the Russian monarchy after the revolution?
    Answer: Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, permanently ending the Romanov dynasty and monarchy in Russia.

14. What changes did the Bolsheviks introduce after coming to power?
    Answer: They nationalized industry, redistributed land to peasants, introduced central planning, withdrew from WWI, and suppressed political opposition through force.

15. What was the Civil War in Russia (1918–1921)?
    Answer: It was fought between the Bolsheviks (Red Army) and anti-Bolshevik forces (White Army). The Bolsheviks won, consolidating control over Russia.

16. What was the impact of the revolution on the Russian economy?
    Answer: Initially, the economy collapsed due to war and instability. Lenin later introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP) to revive agriculture and trade.

17. What was the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
    Answer: Introduced in 1921, NEP allowed limited private trade and small businesses to operate while keeping major industries under state control to revive the economy.

18. How did the revolution impact women in Russia?
    Answer: Women gained rights such as divorce, equal wages, education, and job opportunities. The state supported working mothers through crèches and legal reforms.

19. What was the role of the Provisional Government?
    Answer: Formed after the February Revolution, it was a temporary government that failed to end the war or address economic issues, losing support quickly.

20. How did the Russian Revolution influence the world?
    Answer: It inspired communist movements in other countries, led to the rise of the Soviet Union, and intensified global ideological conflict during the 20th century.

21. What were the ideological differences between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks?
    Answer: Bolsheviks wanted an immediate revolution with a small party, while Mensheviks favored a mass democratic movement and gradual change.

22. How did the Russian Revolution affect the peasants?
    Answer: Peasants were promised land and many supported the Bolsheviks. However, later forced grain requisitioning and collectivization created tensions.

23. How did socialism spread after the Russian Revolution?
    Answer: Communist parties were formed globally. The Soviet Union actively supported international socialist movements through the Comintern (Communist International).

24. What kind of state emerged after the revolution?
    Answer: A one-party communist state emerged under the control of the Bolsheviks, with centralized planning and suppression of opposition for stability and development.

25. What is the legacy of the Russian Revolution?
    Answer: It marked the birth of the world’s first socialist state, redefined global politics, inspired anti-colonial struggles, and left a lasting impact on labor rights.