Embark on a comprehensive exploration of NCERT Class 9 Social Science History with detailed solutions by NCERT Club for Chapter 2: 'Socialism in Europe and Russia.' Aligned with the CBSE curriculum, our solutions offer a deep dive into the social, economic, and political conditions of pre-1905 Russia. Explore the unique aspects of the working population in Russia compared to other European countries, and unravel the factors leading to the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917. Delve into the intricacies of the February and October Revolutions and the transformative changes brought about by the Bolsheviks.

India and the Contemporary World-I

Jump to the desired chapter
by clicking the links provided below

Ch 1: The French Revolution
Ch 2: Socialism in Europe and TheRussian Revolution
Ch 3: Nazism and The Rise of Hitler
Ch 4: Forest Society and Colonialism
Ch 5: Pastoralists in the ModernWorld
Summary:

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 SST History Chapter 2 Socialism in Europe and the Russia

Question-1: What were the social, economic, and political conditions in Russia before 1905?
NCERT CLUB Solution:
(a) Social Conditions: Before 1905, Russia had a diverse population with various religions, including Russian Orthodox Christianity, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and Buddhists. However, non-Russian nationalities were not treated equally and were denied the freedom to follow their culture and language. Workers were divided based on skill and training, and peasants formed groups called communes or mirs.
(b) Economic Conditions: The majority of Russians were involved in agriculture, with grain being the main export. Industries were limited, with St. Petersburg and Moscow being the prominent industrial areas. Most production was carried out by craftsmen, and there were large factories alongside craft workshops. With the expansion of the Russian rail network, foreign investment in factories grew. Coal, iron, and steel production were significant, with equal numbers of factory workers and craftsmen. The workers were exploited by capitalists, leading to miserable living conditions.
(c) Political Conditions: Russia was a monarchy under Tsar Nicholas II, ruling over an empire that extended to present-day Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, parts of Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, as well as regions in the Pacific and Central Asia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The Tsars believed in the divine rights of kings and were not accountable to the Parliament. All political parties were illegal in Russia.

Question-2: In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe before 1917?
NCERT CLUB Solution:
The working population in European countries was more united compared to Russia. Workers in England and Germany formed associations and fought for better living and working conditions. These associations set up funds to help workers in distress and supported political parties. Workers in European countries were united in demanding reduced working hours and the right to vote. They also formed political parties themselves, such as the Labour Party in Britain and the Socialist Party in France.
In contrast, Russian workers were not united and were divided based on occupation. Skilled workers considered themselves superior to untrained workers, leading to a social divide. Russian workers also had strong ties to their villages, further contributing to the divide. While workers' associations grew in Russia, they were suppressed by the government.

Question-3: Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
NCERT CLUB Solution:
The collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917 can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Russia's involvement in World War I strained the economy and led to widespread discontent among the population. The war effort contributed to food shortages and economic hardship, exacerbating already precarious social and economic conditions.
Secondly, Tsar Nicholas II's decision to take personal command of the Russian army in 1915 created a power vacuum in Petrograd, which was exploited by political opponents and revolutionary groups.
Thirdly, World War I profoundly impacted Russia's economy and society, draining its resources and resulting in millions of casualties. The strain of the war effort, coupled with government mismanagement and corruption, undermined the Tsar's authority.
Fourthly, the Tsar's refusal to address the grievances of the people and implement reforms contributed to his downfall. The lack of political freedoms, widespread poverty, and social inequality fueled discontent and unrest, leading to the February Revolution of 1917.
In conclusion, the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917 was the result of factors including the impact of World War I, economic hardship, political repression, and social unrest. These factors weakened the Tsar's authority and paved the way for the revolution that ended centuries of autocratic rule in Russia.

Question-4: Make two lists: one with the main events and effects of the February Revolution and the other with the main events and effects of the October Revolution. Write a paragraph on who was involved in each, who were the leaders, and what was the impact of each on Soviet history.
NCERT CLUB Solution:
February Revolution:
- 22 February: Factory lockout on the right bank.
- 23 February: Sympathy strike by workers in 50 factories.
- 24th & 25th: Strikers stage demonstrations. Police called out to suppress the workers.
- 25th: The government suspends the Duma.
- 27th: Police Headquarters ransacked by the workers. Regiments support the workers. Striking workers from the Petrograd soviet.
- 2nd March: The Tsar abdicates. Soviet and Duma leaders form the Provisional Government.
Effects:
- Army officials, landowners, and industrialists became influential.
- Restrictions on public meetings were removed.
- Trade unions grew in number.
October Revolution:
16th October:
- Vladimir Lenin persuades the Petrograd Soviet and the Bolshevik Party to agree to a socialist seizure of power.
- A Military Revolutionary Committee was appointed by the Soviet.
24th October:
- The uprising against the Provisional government begins.
- Military Revolutionary Committee seized government offices and arrested ministers.
- The winter palace was shelled.
- Ministers of the Provisional government surrendered.
- The Bolsheviks gained control.
Effects:
- Industries and banks were nationalized.
- Russia became a one-party state, with the Bolshevik Party in power.
During the February Revolution, factory workers and government regiments played a crucial role. The revolution led to the downfall of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of the Petrograd Soviet. 
Vladimir Lenin played a significant role in the October Revolution, leading the Bolshevik Party to overthrow the Provisional Government and establish the Russian Communist Party, impacting Soviet history significantly.

Question-5: What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?
NCERT CLUB Solution:
Following the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks implemented several changes:
- Industries and banks were nationalized, with the government taking ownership and management.
- Land was declared social property, and peasants were allowed to seize land from the nobility.
- Large houses in cities were partitioned according to family requirements.
- Old aristocratic titles were banned, and new uniforms were designed for the army and officials.
- The Bolshevik Party was renamed as the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik).
- Despite opposition, the Bolsheviks made peace with Germany and withdrew from World War I.
- The Bolsheviks became the only party to participate in elections, establishing a one-party state.

Question-6: Write a few lines about:
NCERT CLUB Solution:
(i) Kulaks: Well-to-do peasants targeted by Stalin for elimination to develop modern farms and establish state-controlled large farms.
(ii) The Duma: A consultative parliament created during the 1905 Revolution.
(iii) Women workers between 1900 and 1930: Active participants in strikes and factory labor, making up 31% of the workforce but paid less than men.
(iv) The Liberals: Advocated for a representative, parliamentary government and opposed uncontrolled power of rulers.
(v) Stalin's collectivization program: Forced consolidation of small farms into large state-controlled collective farms, beginning in 1929 to solve food shortages.

India and the Contemporary World-I

Jump to the desired chapter
by clicking the links provided below

Ch 1: The French Revolution
Ch 2: Socialism in Europe and TheRussian Revolution
Ch 3: Nazism and The Rise of Hitler
Ch 4: Forest Society and Colonialism
Ch 5: Pastoralists in the ModernWorld

Summary:

Social Conditions in Russia (Before 1905):
- Majority religion: Russian Orthodox Christianity.
- Non-Russian nationalities treated unequally.
- Workers divided based on skill; peasants formed communes.
Economic Conditions in Russia (Before 1905):
- Majority were agriculturists; grain was the main export.
- Few industries; St Petersburg and Moscow were prominent industrial areas.
- Large factories alongside craft workshops.
Political Conditions in Russia (Before 1905):
- Monarchy under Tsar Nicholas II; divine rights of kings upheld.
- Tsars not accountable to Parliament; all political parties illegal.
Differences in the Working Population (Russia vs. Europe Before 1917):
- Russian workers less united; divided by occupation and skill.
- European workers more organized; formed associations and supported political parties.
Reasons for the Collapse of the Tsarist Autocracy in 1917:
- Anti-German sentiments and World War I defeats.
- Economic hardships and political repression.
- February Revolution leading to Tsar's abdication.
Main Events and Effects of the February Revolution:
- Factory lockouts, sympathy strikes, and demonstrations.
- Police headquarters ransacked; Tsar abdicates.
- Effects: Increased influence of army officials, landowners, and industrialists; growth of trade unions.
Main Events and Effects of the October Revolution:
- Bolsheviks seize power; Winter Palace shelled.
- Bolsheviks gain control; Russia becomes a one-party state.
- Effects: Industries and banks nationalized.
Changes Brought by the Bolsheviks After the October Revolution:
- Nationalization of industries and banks.
- Redistribution of land; old aristocratic titles banned.
- Bolshevik Party renamed Russian Communist Party.
Key Concepts (Kulaks, The Duma, Women Workers, The Liberals, Stalin's Collectivization Program):
- Kulaks: Wealthy peasants targeted for elimination.
- The Duma: Consultative parliament created during the 1905 Revolution.
- Women Workers: Active in strikes and factory labor, paid less than men.
- The Liberals: Advocated for representative government and opposed dynastic rule.
- Stalin's Collectivization Program: Forced consolidation of farms into state-controlled collective farms.