History Answer Note #28

Question 1 Assertion: Workers were a divided social group. Some had strong links with the villages from which they came. Reason: Workers were divided by skill. Is Assertion and Reason true. Is Reason an explanation of Assertion. Answer The assertion that workers were a divided social group is true and can be supported by various historical sources. The reason provided, that workers were divided by skill, is also a valid explanation for this division. One of the main factors that contributed to the division among workers was their skill level. In the early days of industrialization, workers were typically unskilled and came from rural areas to work in factories. They were often paid low wages and had little job security, leading to the creation of a working class that was largely disconnected from the upper classes of society. This divide can be seen in historical records and literature from the time period. In the book "The Condition of the Working Class in England" by Friedrich Engels, he describes the distinct social boundaries between skilled and unskilled workers, as well as the resentment that unskilled workers felt towards their more skilled counterparts. This was not only due to differences in wages, but also in their living conditions and social status. Another source that supports this assertion is "The Making of the English Working Class" by E.P. Thompson, which discusses the development of distinct working class culture and identity based on factors such as skill level, occupation, and geographic location. Furthermore, in many industrialized societies, workers were often organized by skill level into different trade unions, which further reinforced the idea of a divided social group. This division also had a great impact on labor movements and struggles for workers' rights, as the demands and needs of skilled and unskilled workers were often different. In conclusion, the assertion that workers were a divided social group is true, and the reason provided, that they were divided by skill level, is a valid explanation for this division. This division can be seen in various historical sources and had a major impact on the social and economic dynamics of the time period. Question 2 The incorrect statement about Russian industries under Tsar: Large factories existed alongside craft workshops. Foreign investment in Russian industries decreased in the 1890s. The production if iron and steel quadrupled. Moscow and Petersburg were among the prominent industrial area. Answer The incorrect statement about Russian industries under Tsar is that foreign investment in Russian industries decreased in the 1890s. In fact, foreign investment in Russian industries increased during this time period, especially in the iron and steel industries. This increase in foreign investment can be attributed to the implementation of policies by Finance Minister Sergei Witte, which aimed to modernize and industrialize the Russian economy. Further Explanation: According to historical sources, during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, the Russian economy experienced significant growth, with a particular emphasis on industrial developments. This was largely due to Finance Minister Sergei Witte's adoption of policies focused on promoting industrial growth and attracting foreign investment. These policies, known as the "Great Spurt", were implemented in the 1890s and led to a rise in foreign capital investment in Russian industries, particularly in iron and steel. One specific example of foreign investment in the iron and steel industry can be seen in the establishment of American-owned companies, such as the Carnegie Steel Corporation and the Pullman Palace Car Company, in Russian cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow. These companies were attracted to Russia due to its large reserves of natural resources, including iron and coal, and favorable economic policies implemented by the government. Additionally, the production of iron and steel in Russia did not simply quadruple, as mentioned in the incorrect statement, but actually experienced a much greater increase. According to historical data, the production of pig iron and crude steel increased fivefold and sixfold respectively between 1890 and 1900, and by 1909, Russia was producing over 4 million tons of pig iron annually. This immense growth can be attributed to the influx of foreign capital, the modernization of production techniques, and the expansion of railway networks that facilitated the transport of materials and goods. In conclusion, it is important to note that while large factories did exist alongside craft workshops in Tsarist Russia, foreign investment in Russian industries actually increased in the 1890s, leading to a significant growth in the production of iron and steel. This development also led Moscow and St. Petersburg to become prominent industrial areas in Russia. Question 3 "The Bolsheviks were totally opposed to private property". Mention any three steps taken by the Bolsheviks to achieve this objective. Answer The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, firmly believed in the ideology of communism, which meant the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society. In order to achieve this objective, the Bolsheviks took various steps that were instrumental in bringing about a radical change in the economic and social structure of Russia. Three major steps taken by the Bolsheviks to achieve their goal of ending private property are as follows: 1. Nationalization of Land and Industry: One of the first major steps taken by the Bolsheviks towards ending private property was the nationalization of land and industry. In November 1917, soon after they came to power, the Bolshevik government passed the Decree on Land, which declared all land to be the property of the state. This meant that all land previously owned by the aristocracy, the church, and wealthy landlords was now under the control of the government. Similarly, the Bolsheviks also nationalized industries such as banks, factories, and mines, which were previously owned by the wealthy capitalists. This move gave the government complete control over the means of production, taking away the power and wealth from the hands of private owners. 2. Abolition of Inheritance and Private Ownership: Another major step taken by the Bolsheviks to end private property was the abolition of inheritance and private ownership of property. In 1918, the government passed the Decree on the Redistribution of Land, which declared that all inherited land and property would be seized by the state and redistributed among peasants and workers. This meant that individuals could no longer pass on their property to their heirs, and they were forced to depend on the state for their livelihood. Additionally, the Bolsheviks also abolished the right to buy and sell land and other forms of private property. 3. Implementation of Collectivization and Five-Year Plans: The final step taken by the Bolsheviks to completely eliminate private property was the implementation of collectivization and Five-Year Plans. In 1929, Joseph Stalin, who succeeded Lenin as the leader of the Soviet Union, introduced the policy of collectivization of agriculture. This involved merging small individual farms into large collective farms, where the land and equipment were owned by the state. Similarly, the Five-Year Plans implemented by the government aimed at rapidly industrializing the country and making it self-sufficient. This meant that the means of production, including industries and factories, were completely owned by the state, leaving no room for private ownership or profit. Question 4 What was the response by groups like the KKK, to Civil Rights activism in Birmingham in 1963? Answer The response by groups like the KKK to Civil Rights activism in Birmingham in 1963 was one of intense and violent opposition. This can be seen through their actions, statements, and historical documentation from that time period. During this period in history, Birmingham, Alabama was a major battleground for Civil Rights activists who were advocating for racial equality and an end to segregation. The KKK, a white supremacist group, viewed this activism as a threat to their traditional beliefs and ways of life. As a result, they used various tactics to try and suppress the actions of these activists. One of the most significant responses by the KKK was their involvement in the infamous Birmingham Campaign of 1963. This campaign, organized by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, aimed to end segregation in the city through nonviolent direct action. However, the KKK responded by organizing multiple bombings and attacks on Civil Rights activists, including the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church that killed four young girls. Aside from these violent actions, the KKK also used propaganda and hate speech to denounce Civil Rights activism and those involved in it. In April 1963, KKK leader Robert Shelton held a rally in Birmingham where he called Civil Rights activists "n***** lovers" and advocated for violence against them. The KKK also spread flyers and posters promoting their ideology of white supremacy and urging people to oppose integration and Civil Rights. Question 5 Name the group which adopted a moderate path to modernize nations in Russia. Answer The group that adopted a moderate path to modernize nations in Russia is known as the "Westernizers." They were a group of intellectuals and political leaders in the 19th century who believed that Russia needed to adopt Western ideas and practices in order to modernize and catch up with other European nations. The Westernizers believed that in order to modernize, Russia needed to emulate the political and economic systems of Western Europe. They advocated for the adoption of a constitutional monarchy, a free market economy, and Western education and culture. They saw the traditional Russian society and government as obstacles to progress and sought to reform and modernize them. The Westernizers were in direct opposition to the Slavophiles, another group of intellectuals who believed in the uniqueness and superiority of the Russian culture and opposed Western influence. The debate between the Westernizers and Slavophiles was a central aspect of Russian intellectual and political history in the 19th century. The Westernizers had a significant impact on Russian history, as their ideas and influence shaped the policies and reforms of the Russian government. For example, the Great Reforms of the 1860s, which abolished serfdom and implemented other modernizing measures, were heavily influenced by Westernizers. In conclusion, the Westernizers were a group of intellectuals and political leaders in Russia who advocated for a moderate path of modernization through the adoption of Western ideas and practices. Their impact on Russian history was significant and their ideas continue to be debated and studied today.