Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution
This section discusses the emergence of socialism in Europe, its ideological roots, and how it led to significant political changes, culminating in the Russian Revolution of 1917. It begins with the Age of Social Change post-French Revolution, characterized by radical ideas about society and governance that emerged among various political factions.
1.1 Liberals, Radicals, and Conservatives
- Liberals: Advocated for a representative governance model focused on protecting individual rights and freedoms. They favored gradual change rather than abrupt transformations and did not endorse universal suffrage.
- Radicals: Called for more comprehensive societal reforms, supporting movements like women’s suffrage and opposing wealth concentration among landowners and factory owners. They aimed to construct a political system based on the majority but were more progressive than liberals.
- Conservatives: Initially resistant to change, conservatives began recognizing the need for gradual reforms after the French Revolution. They respected past structures and preferred slow societal evolution.
The interplay between these groups illustrated the complexities of 19th-century European politics as they sought to navigate demands for reform.
1.2 Industrial Society and Social Change
The Industrial Revolution drastically altered societal structures, leading to urbanization and challenging the status quo. Workers endured harsh conditions with long hours and low wages, prompting liberals and radicals to seek solutions to social problems arising in rapidly growing cities.
1.3 The Coming of Socialism to Europe
Socialism became a prominent ideology by the mid-19th century, opposing private property and calling for collective ownership. Key figures like Karl Marx posited that capitalism perpetuated worker exploitation, advocating for a proletarian revolution to establish a communist society.
1.4 Support for Socialism
In the late 19th century, various socialist groups organized to demand better conditions for workers. Despite forming mass support movements, socialists only began to gain political traction while struggling to form significant governmental power until the events leading to World War I.
2. The Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution marked a pivotal turn with the Bolsheviks seizing power amidst social discontent and the backdrop of World War I. Tsar Nicholas II's ineffective leadership and widespread poverty led to revolutionary fervor that rejected autocratic rule in favor of socialist ideals.