What was happening socially in Europe and Russia during the Russian Revolution?

The social changes in Europe and Russia during the Russian Revolution were dramatic and far-reaching. From workers’ strikes and peasants’ rebellions to the fight for women’s rights, this period reshaped societies and sparked a new era of equality and conflict. 🌍✨ The Russian Revolution (1917) was a time of huge social changes in both Europe and Russia.

1. Europe during the Russian Revolution 

• Industrialization: Factories were coming up everywhere, and people moved to cities for work. But life wasn’t easy—workers faced long hours, low wages, and poor living conditions.
• Class Struggles: The gap between the rich (factory owners, nobles) and the poor (workers, peasants) was growing. Workers started organizing strikes and unions to fight for better rights.
• Women’s Movements: Women were demanding the right to vote (suffrage) and equal treatment. This was called the suffragette movement.
• Socialist Ideas: Many people were inspired by socialism—a belief that society should be more equal, with less private property and more shared resources.

2. Russia during the Russian Revolution 

In Russia, things were even more intense. The country was still very backward compared to Europe, and social tensions were boiling over:

• Peasants vs. Nobles: Most Russians were peasants (farmers) who worked on land owned by noblesor the church. Peasants were poor, overworked, and often rebelled against the nobles.
• Workers’ Struggles: In cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow, factory workers faced terrible conditions. They worked up to 15 hours a day, lived in crowded dormitories, and were paid very little.
• Women in the Workforce: By 1914, 31% of factory workers were women, but they were paid less than men (only half to three-quarters of a man’s wage).
• Religious and Ethnic Diversity: Russia was a huge empire with many religions (Russian Orthodox, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists) and ethnic groups. But the Tsar (emperor) didn’t treat everyone equally, which caused tensions.

Everything Changed for Europe and Russia during the Russian Revolution 

• Property was shared
• Education became available to more people
• Women got more rights
• Healthcare became free
• But many freedoms were also restricted under Soviet rule

These social changes affected not just Russia but influenced people worldwide, including India’s independence movement.

Click here for socialism in Europe and the Russian revolution.

Chapter Details: Subject: History Class: 9 Book: India and the Contemporary World – Part I Chapter: II – Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution Pages: 25-48