Marxist Theory and the Russian Revolution

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary belief of Marx regarding industrial society?

That private property promotes equality

That workers produced profit for capitalists (correct)

That capitalism would replace communism

That all economic systems are temporary

What significant event is referred to as the October Revolution?

The end of Tsar Nicholas II's rule

The formation of the Second International

The socialists' takeover of the Russian government (correct)

The establishment of the Labour Party

What was a common characteristic of workers in early 20th century Russia?

They had equal skill levels

They were a socially divided group (correct)

They were united in all political matters

They received fair wages without conflict

What role did foreign investment play in Russia's industrial development during the 1890s?

It led to the establishment of more factories Signup and view all the answers

How did the Russian nobility maintain their power?

Through military service to the Tsar Signup and view all the answers

Which political party was founded by socialists in Russia in 1898?

The Russian Socialist Democratic Workers Party Signup and view all the answers

What sparked the desire for land redistribution among Russian peasants?

The ownership of large properties by the nobility Signup and view all the answers

What was the general state of Russian society before 1914?

A mixture of agricultural and industrial populations Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred on the right bank of the River Neva that affected workers?

A factory was shut down. Signup and view all the answers

Who played a leading role in the strikes on International Women's Day?

Women Signup and view all the answers

What did the Provisional Government face from the population during its rule?

Growing discontent Signup and view all the answers

What did Lenin's 'April Theses' advocate for?

Nationalisation of banks Signup and view all the answers

What was formed by the Bolshevik leaders and the Duma leaders?

A Provisional Government Signup and view all the answers

What was the key aim of the Military Revolutionary Committee appointed by the Soviet?

To carry out a socialist seizure of power Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of the significant shift in power during the February Revolution?

The suspension of the Duma Signup and view all the answers

What action did peasants take between July and September 1917?

They seized land. Signup and view all the answers

What measures were introduced by Stalin in 1928 to address grain supply issues in Soviet Russia?

Supervision of grain collections Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of well-to-do peasants, known as 'kulaks', during Stalin's collectivisation period?

They faced raids and forced labor Signup and view all the answers

What happened to agricultural production in the USSR immediately following collectivisation?

It initially declined Signup and view all the answers

Which group suffered a significant population decrease during 1930-1933 due to bad harvests?

Collective farm workers Signup and view all the answers

What did Stalin's government do to independent cultivators during the collectivisation period?

Treated them unsympathetically Signup and view all the answers

What was the social condition of workers in Russia prior to 1905?

Workers were divided based on skills and backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

What led to the global influence of the USSR before World War II?

Establishment of international communist parties Signup and view all the answers

By the end of the twentieth century, how had the international reputation of the USSR changed?

It declined as a socialist country Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant social characteristic of Russia's population before 1917?

85% of the population were agriculturists. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the political structure of Russia under the Tsar?

The Tsar had absolute power without parliamentary oversight. Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the beginning of the 1905 revolution in Russia?

The incident of 'Bloody Sunday'. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Tsar dismissing the first two Dumas?

Strengthened the power of conservative politicians. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly contributed to the Tsarist autocracy's collapse during World War I?

Loss of military troops and resources. Signup and view all the answers

How did foreign investment impact Russian industry in the 1890s?

It facilitated the establishment of many factories. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant agricultural trend in Russia compared to France and Germany before 1917?

Russia was a major exporter of grain. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reason for the rise of revolution against the Tsar?

Immediate democratic reforms after 1905. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to industries and banks by November 1917?

They were nationalised and came under government control. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following changes occurred regarding land ownership after the October Revolution?

Peasants were allowed to seize land from nobility. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of the old aristocratic titles after the Bolshevik takeover?

They were banned entirely. Signup and view all the answers

Which party replaced the Bolshevik Party after the October Revolution?

Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik). Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the elections conducted to the constituent assembly by the Bolsheviks?

The assembly rejected Bolshevik measures and was dismissed. Signup and view all the answers

What significant political structure did the All Russian Congress of Soviets become?

The Parliament of the country. Signup and view all the answers

How were trade unions managed under Bolshevik control?

Trade unions were kept under party control. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reactions of young artists and writers towards the Bolshevik Party?

They supported the Party for its stance on socialism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marxist Theory and Socialist Movements

Capitalism characterized by private ownership of capital and profit generated from worker labor.
Marx predicted a future communist society following the overthrow of capitalism.
By the 1870s, socialist movements were gaining momentum across Europe, forming the Second International.
Worker associations in Germany and England emerged to advocate for improved living and working conditions.
Formation of the Labour Party and Socialist Party by trade unionists in 1905.

The Russian Revolution: Key Events

October Revolution of 1917 saw socialists seize governmental power.
The February Revolution led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, marking the end of the Russian monarchy.
Russia in 1914: an expansive empire under Tsar Nicholas II, comprising modern-day Finland, the Baltic states, parts of Poland, Ukraine, and Central Asian territories.

Predominantly agrarian society; agriculture was the primary livelihood for about 85% of the population.
Industrial areas prominently in St Petersburg and Moscow with a mix of large factories and craft workshops.
Growth in factories during the 1890s fueled by foreign investment, leading to a significant increase in coal and iron production.
Workers were socially divided by skill level and experience, yet united in labor disputes.

Peasant Discontent and Socialism in Russia

Legality of political parties existed pre-1914, with socialist principles beginning to take root.
The Russian Social Democratic Workers Party was established in 1898, upholding Marxist ideologies.
Herbivores were adopted in urban settings, leading to greater demands for rights and land.
Strikes, especially by women, catalyzed change, culminating in demonstrations for better wages and working conditions.

February Revolution Aftermath

Provisional Government established post-abdication of the Tsar with liberals and socialists aiming for reforms.
Lenin returned from exile in April 1917 advocating for an end to the war and land redistribution.
Growing discontent led to the establishment of workers’ movements and calls for land reform.

October Revolution

Lenin and the Bolsheviks orchestrated a socialist takeover on October 16, 1917.
Establishment of the Military Revolutionary Committee to facilitate the seizure of power.
Subsequent governmental reforms included nationalization of industries and banks, declaration of land as social property, and redistribution of housing.

Effects of Bolshevik Rule

Rapid nationalization of industries and banks by November 1917.
Seizure of nobility-owned land by peasants recognized as social property.
Reform of housing, banning aristocratic titles, and redesigning military uniforms.
Initiation of elections for a Constituent Assembly, which ultimately failed to achieve a Bolshevik majority.

Consequences of the Russian Revolution

Russia transitioned to a one-party state under the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik).
Trade unions came under the party’s control; dissent was suppressed via a secret police.
Notable developments in arts and architecture occurred alongside censorship challenges.

International Impact of the Russian Revolution

Inspired global spread of communist parties.
The USSR emerged as a significant international power by the end of the twentieth century, reshaping global perceptions of socialism.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of Marxist theory and its implications for socialist movements in the early 20th century. This quiz covers key events of the Russian Revolution, the fall of the monarchy, and the rise of socialist parties. Test your knowledge on how these historical forces shaped modern society.