Socialism in Europe and the Russia

Question

Write a few lines to show what you know about:

• kulaks

• the Duma

• women workers between 1900 and 1930

• the Liberals

• Stalin’s collectivisation programme.

Answer

(i)Kulaks: The name for well-to-do peasants of Russia. During the collectivisation programme they were eliminated ; their land was taken away and grains seized.

(ii)The Duma: It was the Russian Parliament. Czar Nicholas II held elections of the Duma but did not allow it to become a real representative body. Russian Parliament is still called Duma.

(iii)Women workers between 1900 and 1930: Workers were divided social group in Russia. Workers were divided by skill. Women made up 31% of factory labour force by 1914 but they were paid less than men.

(iv)The Liberals: One of the groups which looked to change society were they liberals. They opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers. They wanted to safeguard the rights of individuals against governments.
(v)Stalin's collectivisation programme: From 1929, Stalin's party forced all peasants to cultivate in collective forms (Kulak). The bulk of land and implements were transferred to the ownership of collective farms. Peasants worked on the land and the Kullak profit was shared.

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Some More Questions From Socialism in Europe and the Russia Chapter

What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?