most interesting chapter in the world ppt
- 3. Socialism in Europe and The Russian Revolution
- 4. Socialism in Europe • What is Socialism? • Why Europe? • Background for socialism? How did it envolved? The Russian Revolution • What is the relation between Russia and Socialism?
- 5. The Age of Social Change ❖ Recall the story of French Revolution – Ideas of liberty, Equality and Democratic Rights. People started discussing the possibility for change. These ideas of French Revolution created a possibility of change in the society. ❖ But the ideas for change varied all over the Europe. some wanted gradual change, where as some wanted the change radically. So we can say that there were different political traditions such as ‘Conservatives’ ‘Liberals’ and ‘Radicals’. The different political traditions played a very important role in influencing change in the history of Europe and World.
- 6. Liberals • Liberals – wanted a change in society. • Equality among religion and nations should tolerate all religions. • Opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic ruler. • Liberal believed that individual’s rights should be protected against government. • Argued for a representative, elected parliamentary government. • Supported judiciary which must be well trained and independent. However they were not democrats? Because they did not believed in universal adult franchise and wanted men with property should have right to vote.
- 7. Radicals • Wanted a government which must be based on majority. • They supported women’s sufferage movement • They opposed the privileges of great landowners and wealthy factory owners. • They disliked concentration of property in few hands. • Because this was creating disparity in the society.
- 8. Conservatives • Group of ruling class and person in power who initially opposed the change • But after French revolution they were ready for the change. • Because they understood that the change was inevitable. • But they believed that their past has to be respected and change had to be brought about through a slow process. All these differing idea played a very important role in the world politics.
- 9. Industrial Society and Social Change: • In nineteenth Century society was changing in Social and economic level. • How? • New cities with industries and industrial regions, expanding railway etc., • These changes happened because of Industrial Revolution. • However this brought many problem with it • Long working hours ,poor wages, unemployment, housing and sanitation problem. • Liberals and Radicals searched for solution for these issues. • Because they were often property owners and employers • But they had a problem of old aristocracy and Conservative regime established in Europe after 1815.
- 10. • Conservatives regimes established after 1815 (connected with the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte) • Revolutionaries from France, Italy, Germany and Russia worked to overthrow existing monarchs. • Nationalists talked to revolutions that would create ‘nations’ where all citizens would have equal rights. • E.g., Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian nationalist conspired with others to achieve this in Italy.
- 11. The coming of socialism in Europe • By mid nineteenth century the idea of socialism attracted widespread attention and those who followed this idea come to known as Socialist. • Socialist were against private property, they considered private property as the root of all problems in the society. • Individuals own property (Private Property) and workers work under them • But they are concerned with personal gains(profit) only and not with the welfare of those who made the property productive.(workers) • Therefore Socialist wanted a society as a whole should control the property.
- 12. • Socialist wanted a change. Who would have given the idea for change? Friedrich Engels
- 13. Ideas of Robert Owen and louis Blanc Socialist had different visions of the future – Some believed in the idea of cooperatives. Cooperatives = association of people, working together – Earning profit and dividing profit according to work done Robert Owen • Sought to build a cooperative community. New Harmony in Indiana (U.S.A.) • Through collective individual initiative. Louis Blanc • He support government encourage cooperatives to replace capitalist enterprise. • Government should be there to facilitates cooperatives.
- 14. Ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels: They added some more arguments in the idea of socialism Industrial Society Capitalist Owners invested capital in factories and profit was produced by workers. But the profit goes into the hands of owner and the condition of the worker would remain same.(main motive personal gain not the welfare of workers)
- 15. • Therefore Karl Marx believed that workers are required to free themselves from capitalist exploration, workers had to construct a radically socialist society. How • By overthrowing rule of private property and controlling the property socially i.e. Communist Society
- 16. Support for Socialism • By 1870’s Socialist ideas spread though Europe. • Formation of International body = Second International • Similar associations were being formed everywhere in the world. • Germany – working closely with Social Democratic Party (SPD) • England – Labour party by 1905 • France – Socialist Party
- 17. •These socialist associations fight for better living and working condition, set up funds to help members, demanded a reduction of working hours and right to vote. •However till 1914 – Socialist never succeeded in forming a government in Europe. •But their ideas did shaped the legislation. •Under the government run by conservatives, liberals and Radicals.
- 18. The Russian Empire in 1914 • Emperor - Tsar Nicolas II • Present day Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, parts of Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. • Majority religion was Russian orthodox Christianity Empire also included Catholics, Protestants, Islam and Buddhist.
- 19. Economy and Society • It as mainly a Agriculturalist Economy (85% population was engaged in agriculture sector) • Cultivators produced for the market as well as for their own needs. • Industry was found in pockets. • Petersburg and Moscow were the major industrial area. But most of the production was carried by craftsmen. • 1890’s – Railway expanded- Foreign investment increased.( because of Industries) • Coal Production doubled and iron and steel output quadrupled.
- 20. Most industry were the private property of industrialist. (Profit Maximisation) Profit Maximisation Profit Maximisation was there not any regulation by government Government worked to ensure minimum wages and limited hours of work. Often these rules were broken Long working hours upto 10 to 16 hours Workers were accommodated in rooms, dormitories, etc.,
- 22. Russian Society in urban • Workers were a divided social group. • Workers migrated from village and settled in cities --- They were divided by skill. E.g., Metal workers considered themselves as aristocrats among other workers.(their occupations demanded more training and skill) • Women made up 31% of the factory labour force by 1914. • But they were paid less than men. • Some workers formed association to help members in times of unemployment or financial hardships but such associations were few. • Despite divisions, were there but workers did unite to strike work. • Against the employers on the dismissals of their demand or conditions. • E.g., strikes in textile industry
- 23. Society in Countryside • Peasant cultivated most of the land--- but most of property were owned by nobility, the crown and the orthodox church. • Like workers, peasants were also divided. • In Russia except in a few cases, peasant had no respect for the nobility. Unlike as it was observed during French revolution in Brittany, were peasants respected nobles and fought for them. • Because Russian peasants wanted the land of the nobles. Russian peasants were different from other European peasants? • They worked by pooling their land together and then dividing the output according to the needs of individual.
- 24. Socialism in Russia • Before 1914 all political parties were illegal in Russia. • Russian Social Democratic Workers party founded in 1898. (Due to government policies it operated secretly as an illegal organisation) • Russian socialist felt that the Russian peasant custom of dividing land periodically made them natural socialist. • Therefore it was believed that peasants would be the main force of revolution. • Formation of Socialist Revolutionary party in 1900 by peasants.
- 25. • Social Democrats disagreed with socialist Revolutionaries over the fact that Russian peasant are Naturally Socialist. • Lenin felt that peasants were not one united group. • Some were rich and some were poor • Some worked as a worker and employed worker. • The differentiation within them didn’t allowed peasants to a part of socialist movement.
- 26. The Russian Socialist Democratic workers party Bolshevik • Majority faction headed by Vladimir Lenin • He believed that party disciplined and should control the number and quality of its members. This split happened in 1903 Mensheviks • Another fraction of the party headed by Julius Martov • They believed that party should be open to all (as in Germany)
- 28. A Turbulent Time: The 1905 Revolution • Russia was an autocracy, the Tsar was not subject to parliament. • Liberal, Social Democrats and Social revolutionaries wanted to end this system and demanded a constitution. • They were supported by Nationalist and Jadidists. • Muslim reformers in Russian Empire who wanted to Modernise Islam. • Autocratic rule along with bad economic conditions made the time more turbulent. • During 1904 prices of essential goods rose • Therefore Worker’s membership in workers association rose
- 29. • One day when four member of assembly of Russian workers were removed at putilov Iron works. • 10,000 workers in St.Petersburg went on strike. • Demanding a reduction in the working hours (8 hrs) • Increase in wages, improvement in working conditions.
- 30. Bloody Sunday and 1905 Revolution • During the turbulent time when the change was demanded. • A procession of workers led by Father Gapon reached the winter palace. • Procession was attacked by the police and Cossacks(Secret police). • Over 100 workers were killed and 300 wounded. • All this happened on 22 Sunday January
- 31. Bloody Sunday started the series of events= The 1905 Revolution • Strikes all over the country. • Universities were closed down. (lack of civil liberties) • Lawyers , Doctors, Engineers and other middle class workers all started demanding constitution.
- 32. Impact of 1905 Revolution • Under pressure of revolution – Tsar allowed creation of an elected consultative parliament / Duma • Duma was a consultative body with quasi – legislative functions. • However, within 75 days Duma was dissolved and Second Duma was elected. • After a period of time Second Duma was also dissolved and third Duma was formed. • Third Duma was packed with conservative politicians and liberals and revolutionaries were kept out.
- 33. The First World War and The Russian Empire • In 1914 war between Central Powers Vs Allied Powers • Central Powers – Germany, Austria and Turkey • Allied powers – France, Britain and Russia (later Italy and Romania) • War was fought outside Europe and as well as inside Europe.
- 34. Relation between First World War and Russian Empire • Initially Tsar supported First World War • Over the period of time, support to Tsar went down. • Tsar refused to consult the main parties in Duma. • Rasputin made the autocracy unpopular. • Rasputin was the advisor of Tsar.
- 35. • War was fought on two fronts – war on eastern front different from the Western front. • Casualties were more on eastern front as compared to western • Defeat were shocking and demoralising. • The first world war had a deep impact on Russia
- 36. Impact of First World War on Russia • Russia’s army lost badly in Germany and Austria • Leading to large Casualties (7 Million casualties by 1917) • The destruction of crops and buildings by Russian army lead to over 3 million refugees in Russia. • Soldiers did not wish to fight such a war. • The war also had a severe impact on industry. German control of Baltic Sea • Russia was cut off from supplies • Leading to industrial equipment disintegration This created a severe impact in Russia
- 37. •Able-bodied men were called up to war – Large supplies of grains were sent to feed army. •Shortages of labours. •Small workshops producing essentials were shut down. •Bread and flour became scarce leading to riots at bread shop frequently
- 38. The Petrograd Soviet meeting in Duma
- 39. The February Revolution in Petrograd • On 22nd February, a lookout took place at a factory on the right bank. • On 23rd February workers of fifty factories called a strike in sympathy. Women mainly led the strike. This came to be known as International Women’s day. • On 24th & 25th demonstrators came back and government called out cavalry and Police to keep an eye on them. • On 25th February 1917, Government (Tsar) suspended the Duma. • Politicians criticised this Demonstrators returned on the streets on 26th February. • On 27th Police Headquarters were ransacked, protest for bread, wages, better hours and democracy. • Government called the cavalry to control the situations • But the cavalry refused to fire on the demonstrators. • Soldiers and striking workers formed ‘Soviet’ or ‘council’ = Petrograd Soviet
- 40. •A delegation went to see the Tsar. •Tsar Military commanded advised him to abdicate •He abdicated on 2 march. •After this, Soviet leader and Duma leaders formed a Provisional Government. •Constituent assembly on the basis of universal adult suffrage. •Finally February revolution brought down the monarchy.
- 41. After February • Provisional Government • Dominated by Army officials, Landowners and Industrialist • Liberals and Socialist also worked towards the elected government • Restrictions on public meetings and associations were removed. • Soviets like Petrograd Soviet were formed everywhere • In April 1917, Bolshevik leader Lenin returned from exile. • He believed that it was time for soviet to take over power.
- 42. April Theses Lenin presented three demands which came to known as April Theses. ⮚War should be brought to an end. ⮚Land to be transferred to the Peasants. ⮚Banks to be nationalised. • He also argued to rename Bolshevik Party as Communist Party. • To indicate its new radical aims
- 43. • However many other members of Bolsheviks party were initially surprised by the April Theses. • They thought it was not the right time for socialist revolution and the provisional government should be supported. • But the development of subsequent months changed their attitude.
- 44. Reasons for October Revolution: • Workers movement grew • Trade unions and factory committees started questioning industries. • Soldiers committees were formed in the army • In June about 500 soviet sent representatives for an All Russian Congress of Soviet. • Provisional Government was not happy with this • All this was seen as the growing influencing of Bolsheviks to take power against provisional government.
- 45. • To control the growing discontent Provisional Government took the following steps: ⮚ controlled workers by arresting their leaders. ⮚Demonstrations staged by the Bolshevik in July were Sternly suppressed. ⮚Many Bolshevik leaders had to go into hiding or flee. What was the situation in Countryside? ⮚Peasants and socialist revolutionary leaders pressed for a redistribution of land. ⮚Land committees were formed. ⮚Peasants seized land between July and September 1917. ⮚This all provided a fertile ground for October revolution. (Revolution by Bolshevik)
- 46. October Revolution in Countryside October Revolution in Urban side
- 47. The October Revolution 1917 • Conflict between the provisional Government grew and the attitude of provisional Government feared Lenin that they may set up a dictatorship. • Therefore with Bolshevik supporters in army, soviets and factory workers. Lenin started a planning against provisional government. • Lenin persuaded the Petrograd Soviet and Bolshevik party agree to a socialist seizure of power. (Socialist Revolution) • Appointment of Military Revolutionary Committee under Leon Trotsky to organise the seizure. • The date of uprising was kept secret.
- 48. • The uprising began on 24th October • Military Revolution Committee seize government officers and arrested ministers • Ship Aurora shelled the winter palace and many other vessels sailed took over military point. • By night city was under committee’s control • Sensing trouble, Prime Minister Kerenskii summoned troops. • Military men loyal to the government seized the building of two Bolshevik newspaper. • Telephone and telegraph offices were taken over by pro government troops. But all this was of no use
- 49. • Bolshevik action was given approval by military soviet at all Russian Congress in Petrograd. • There were fight in Moscow – but by December, the Bolshevik controlled the Moscow Petrograd area.
- 50. What changed after October? • Implementation of April Theses • Banks were nationalised by November 1917 (ownership and management by government) • Peasants took over the land of nobility, as it was declared as social property. • Large houses were partitioned according to the size of family. • Use of old titles of aristocracy was banned. (to promote equality) • To show the change new uniforms were designed for the army and officials. E.g., Budenovka hat • Bolshevik party was renamed as the Russian Communist Party. Was everything so smooth after October Revolution
- 51. Budenovka Hat
- 52. Problems After October Revolution • In November 1917, election to Constituent Assembly by Bolsheviks. • But they failed to gain majority support. • In January 1918, Assembly rejected Bolshevik measures, Lenin dismissed the Assembly. • He argued the Assembly was elected in uncertain condition and Russian Congress of soviet was more democratic. • Despite opposition, in March 1918 Bolshevik made peace with Germany at Brest Litovsk
- 53. Over the period of time, Russia became a one party state Trade Unions were kept under control , Secret police (Cheka first, OGPU and NKVD) punished those who criticised the Bolshevik. NKVD - Secret police Bolshevik made peace with Germany at Brest Litovsk
- 54. • All this steps taken by Bolsheviks was creating tension among the Russian society. • People (Writers & Artists) joined and supported Bolshevik because they stood for Socialism and change. • But many became disillusioned because of the censorship the party encouraged. So this attitude of Bolshevik party along with other factors created a situation civil war in Russia
- 55. The Civil War • Changing attitude of Bolshevik Party. • Non-Bolshevik socialist, liberals and supporters of autocracy organised troops to fight the Bolsheviks. • Bolsheviks – Reds • Socialist Revolutionaries – Greens • Pro- Tsarist – Whites • They controlled most of the Russian Empire. • They were supported by French, American and British • To control the growth of socialism • Army began to break up due to the land redistribution • Due to all this reason there was a Civil War, looting , banditry and famine became common.
- 56. Situation during Civil War • White’s – Atrocities on peasants –Made them unpopular • Bolsheviks – gained support from Russian nationalist. • At the same time many were many were confused about the objectives of Bolsheviks. • Incident of Khiva, Central Asia • Bolshevik colonists brutally massacred local nationalist in the name of defending socialism. • To remedy all this, Non Russian nationalist were given political autonomy in USSR. • Still there ae some unpopular policies of Bolsheviks. e.g., Harsh discouragement of Nomadism
- 57. Making a Socialist Society • Banks and industries were nationalised, collective work was performed by peasants on confiscated land. • Centralised planning was introduced. • Five year plans: to set target for economy for upcoming five years. • E.g., first five year plans (1927 -1932) (1933- 1938) • This all led to huge industrial growth and factories began to come up. However there was a dark side to it • Rapid construction led to poor working condition • Workers lived hard lives • Frequent stoppage e.g., 550 stoppage of work in the first year alone. Are there any efforts made by government to improve this situation?
- 58. Government took following steps to improve the condition • An extended schooling system for worker and peasants • Creches were established in factories for children of women workers • Cheap public health care was provided. • Model living quarters were set up for workers. However impact of all this efforts was limited because the resources of the government were limited
- 59. Stalinism and Collectivisation • Stalinism : The time period when the Russian Communist party was headed by Stalin. His idea dominated the USSR and that period came to know as Stalinism. • Collectivisation: Combining land of various farmers and then performing the agricultural activities for collective basis.
- 60. Reasons for Collectivisation • By 1927 Soviet Russia was facing shortage of food grains (especially in towns) • To overcome this government fixed prices at which grain must be sold. • But peasants refused to sell their grains to government at these prices. • Stalin believed that rich peasants (Kulaks)and traders in the countryside were holding stocks in the hope of higher prices. • Therefore speculation had to be stopped and supplies confiscated. • Grains producing area were toured by party, supervising enforced grain collections and raiding ‘Kulaks’.
- 61. • Despite all this shortage continued. • Argument was given that – small size of land holdings was also a reason for grain shortage. • Small sized peasants farms could not be modernized to modernise farms. • Small farms should be run on industrial lines with machinery. • It was necessary to eliminate Kulaks • Large state controlled farm must be established.
- 62. Problems during collectivisation • From 1929, Peasants were forced to cultivate in (Kolkhoz) collective farms and then profit was shared. • Enraged peasant resisted the authorities and destroyed their livestock. • Those who resist collectivisation were severely punished, many were deported and exiled. • Russian Peasants = Natural Socialist
- 63. • In spite all collectivisation production did not increased immediately. • Bad harvest (1930 -1933) Devastating famines (4 million deaths) Due to this there were criticism of planned economy and collectivisation. • Such critics were charged with conspiracy against socialism. • E.g., over 2 million were in prisons or labour camps. • Many were forced to make false confessions under torture and were executed (several among them were talented professionals)
- 64. The Global influence of the Russian Revolution and the USSR • Not all socialist parties in Europe were on the same position. • The support for socialism was due to the possibilities of a worker’s state. • Many communist party were formed e.g., communist party of Great Britain. • Bolsheviks also encouraged colonial peoples to follow their experiment. • Conference of people of the East(1920) • Bolsheviks founded Comintern (an international union of pro-Bolshevik socialist parties)
- 65. • Education in the USSR’s Communist University of the workers of the east. • By second world War USSR had given socialism a global face and world stature. • Yet by 1950’s it was observed that the style of government in USSR was not in keeping with the ideals of the Russian Revolution • No doubt a backward country had become a great power. Its industries and agriculture had developed and the poor were being fed. • But it denied the essential freedoms to its citizens and carried out its developmental projects through repressive policies. • The international reputation of the USSR as a socialist country had declined. However the socialist ideals still enjoyed respect among its people