Major 20th Century Ideologies and Events (Russian Revolution, Nazism)

Socialism In Europe And The Russian Revolution (Intro)

The early 20th century witnessed one of the most impactful ideological shifts — the rise of socialism as a revolutionary alternative to monarchy and capitalism. The Russian Revolution of 1917 not only transformed Russia but also inspired global political movements based on socialist principles.

The rise of socialism in Europe was preceded by thinkers like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who argued for a classless society. The Bolsheviks in Russia under Vladimir Lenin turned this ideology into reality after the collapse of the Tsarist regime.

The Russian Revolution

The Russian Empire In 1914

The Russian Empire stretched from Europe to Asia, ruled by Tsar Nicholas II. It was an autocracy, where all power was concentrated in the hands of the Tsar. Most Russians were peasants, and political dissent was harshly punished.

Economy And Society

The economy was largely agrarian, with a small industrial sector. Workers and peasants lived in poverty. The nobility and clergy enjoyed privileges, creating deep social inequalities.

Socialism In Russia

Socialist ideas inspired many Russians. Two key revolutionary groups emerged: the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks. The latter, led by Vladimir Lenin, advocated for a disciplined, centralised party of revolutionaries.

A Turbulent Time: The 1905 Revolution

Triggered by defeat in the Russo-Japanese War and dissatisfaction with autocracy, workers marched to the Winter Palace. The Tsar’s forces opened fire, killing hundreds — an event known as “Bloody Sunday.”

This led to strikes and uprisings, forcing the Tsar to introduce limited reforms like the Duma (parliament), though he retained real power.

The First World War And The Russian Empire

WWI worsened conditions. Russia suffered heavy losses, economic chaos, and starvation. This led to mass unrest and growing resentment against the Tsarist regime.

The February Revolution In Petrograd

After February

In February 1917, massive strikes and mutinies in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. A Provisional Government was established but failed to withdraw from WWI or address land reforms.

This created a power vacuum, exploited by the Bolsheviks, who gained popularity by promising "Peace, Land and Bread."

What Changed After October? (Russian Revolution)

The Civil War

The Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government in the October Revolution (1917). A civil war followed between the Bolshevik Red Army and the anti-communist White forces, ending in Bolshevik victory by 1921.

Making A Socialist Society

The Bolsheviks nationalised banks, factories, and land. Private property was abolished, and efforts were made to promote education and women's rights. However, dissent was brutally crushed.

Stalinism And Collectivisation

After Lenin’s death, Joseph Stalin rose to power. He introduced Five-Year Plans for rapid industrialisation and enforced collectivisation of agriculture. This led to widespread famine and repression.

The Global Influence Of The Russian Revolution And The Ussr

The Russian Revolution inspired communist movements worldwide. The USSR supported revolutionary parties and became a model for socialist governance, though also criticised for authoritarianism.

It challenged capitalist ideologies and influenced events like the Chinese Revolution and post-WWII politics.

Nazism And The Rise Of Hitler (Intro)

The end of World War I left Germany devastated — politically, economically, and emotionally. Amid this crisis, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power by capitalising on public discontent and promoting ultranationalist, racist ideologies.

Birth Of The Weimar Republic (Context for Nazism)

The Effects Of The War

Germany's defeat in WWI led to the Treaty of Versailles (1919), which imposed harsh penalties. This caused humiliation and economic distress.

Political Radicalism And Economic Crises

The new democratic government, the Weimar Republic, faced instability, inflation, and political extremism from both left and right.

The Years Of Depression

The Great Depression (1929) caused mass unemployment and poverty. The Nazis exploited this to promise jobs, revive German pride, and rebuild the economy.

Hitler’s Rise To Power

The Destruction Of Democracy

In 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor. He quickly established a dictatorship, banning opposition parties and using terror through the Gestapo.

Reconstruction

Massive infrastructure projects and military buildup reduced unemployment. Propaganda glorified Hitler as Germany’s saviour.

The Nazi Worldview

Establishment Of The Racial State

Nazis promoted a racial hierarchy with Aryans at the top. Jews, Slavs, Roma, and others were considered inferior.

The Racial Utopia

Efforts were made to “purify” society through sterilisation laws, propaganda, and eventual genocide during the Holocaust.

Steps To Death

Jews were stripped of rights (Nuremberg Laws), forced into ghettos, and later sent to concentration and death camps like Auschwitz. Over 6 million Jews were killed.

Youth In Nazi Germany

The Nazi Cult Of Motherhood

Women were encouraged to be homemakers and bear “racially pure” children. Medals were awarded for motherhood.

The Art Of Propaganda

Mass rallies, films, and textbooks were used to brainwash the youth. Hitler Youth and League of German Girls became mandatory.

Ordinary People And The Crimes Against Humanity (Nazism)

Knowledge About The Holocaust

While the full extent of the Holocaust wasn’t widely known at the time, many Germans were complicit — through silence or participation. Post-WWII trials, like the Nuremberg Trials, held Nazi leaders accountable.