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I. Chapter Summary:
This chapter explores the emergence of socialism in 19th-century Europe as a response to the inequalities caused by capitalism. It explains the different strands of socialist thought, the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia (1917), and the formation of the first socialist state. The chapter traces the rise of revolutionary leaders like Karl Marx, Lenin, and the fall of Tsarist autocracy. It highlights the impact of World War I, the February and October Revolutions, and the subsequent changes in Russian society, politics, and economy.
II. Key Concepts Covered:
| Concept | Description |
| Capitalism vs Socialism | Capitalism prioritizes private property; socialism advocates for state/community ownership. |
| Karl Marx and Communism | Believed in class struggle and a proletariat-led revolution for a classless society. |
| Industrial Society and Social Change | Emergence of working class; inequality and need for reform. |
| February Revolution (1917) | Tsar Nicholas II abdicated; Provisional Government formed. |
| October Revolution (1917) | Bolsheviks under Lenin overthrew the Provisional Government. |
| Bolsheviks vs Mensheviks | Bolsheviks: Radical, led by Lenin; Mensheviks: Moderates. |
| Civil War in Russia (1918–1920) | Reds (Bolsheviks) vs Whites (monarchists and liberals). |
| Changes under Bolsheviks | Nationalization of industries, redistribution of land, control of media. |
| Formation of the USSR (1922) | Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, world’s first socialist state. |
III. Important Questions:
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):
- Who was the leader of the Bolsheviks?
a) Karl Marx
b) Stalin
c) Lenin ✅
d) Trotsky - What is the name of the parliament in Russia?
a) Reichstag
b) Congress
c) Duma ✅
d) Senate - The Russian Revolution took place in:
a) 1914
b) 1917 ✅
c) 1922
d) 1939 - The workers’ councils formed in Russia were called:
a) Soviets ✅
b) Unions
c) Collectives
d) Assemblies
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):
- What were the main features of socialism according to Karl Marx?
- Why did the Russian people revolt against Tsar Nicholas II?
- Differentiate between the February and October Revolutions.
- Mention two outcomes of the Russian Civil War.
– PYQ 2021
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):
- Describe the causes of the Russian Revolution of 1917.
- What role did Lenin play in the Russian Revolution?
- How did the Bolsheviks bring about socio-economic changes after the October Revolution?
- Compare the ideas of the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks.
– PYQ 2022
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):
- Imagine you are a factory worker in 1917 Russia. Write a letter explaining why you support the Bolsheviks.
- Was it justified for the Bolsheviks to use violence and censorship after gaining power? Explain.
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:
This is a theoretical chapter, so focus on:
- Definitions: Socialism, communism, capitalism, proletariat, autocracy, revolution.
- Dates: 1905 (Bloody Sunday), Feb & Oct 1917, formation of USSR (1922).
- Key Personalities: Karl Marx, Lenin, Tsar Nicholas II, Stalin.
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):
| Unit/Chapter | Estimated Marks | Type of Questions Typically Asked |
| Socialism in Europe & the Russian Revolution | 6–8 marks | Map work, short notes, cause-effect, analytical |
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):
| Year | Marks | Question |
| 2018 | 5 | Explain the main causes of the Russian Revolution. |
| 2019 | 3 | Write any three effects of the October Revolution. |
| 2020 | 2 | What is the Duma? Why was it disliked by the Tsar? |
| 2022 | 5 | Compare the social and economic conditions of peasants and workers in pre-revolutionary Russia. |
VIII. Real-World Application Examples:
| Concept | Application |
| Socialism | Policies like public healthcare, subsidized education in modern welfare states. |
| Workers’ Rights | Formation of trade unions, workers’ movements worldwide. |
| Revolutions | Inspired anti-colonial and democratic revolutions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. |
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:
Time Management:
- Allocate 2 sessions to causes and consequences.
- Use charts to remember events in chronological order.
Exam Preparation:
- Make timeline charts.
- Practice distinguishing Feb vs Oct Revolution.
- Prepare value-based answers for HOTS questions.
Stress Management:
- Use visual documentaries to reinforce memory.
- Discuss revolutionary ideas in class to build interest.
X. Career Guidance & Exploration:
For Classes 9–10:
| Stream | Careers |
| Humanities | Political Scientist, Historian, International Relations Expert |
| Law | Civil Rights Lawyer, Policy Advisor |
| Government | UPSC, Research Analyst, UN/NGO worker |
Start With:
- NTSE, CBSE Heritage Quiz, History & Civics Olympiads.
XI. Important Notes:
- Focus on understanding ideologies (capitalism vs socialism).
- Use maps to locate important cities (Petrograd, Moscow).
- Practice answer structuring with introduction, explanation, and conclusion.
- Recollect events using acronyms like B.O.S.S. (Bloody Sunday, October Revolution, Soviet Rule, Stalin).
