Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
1. “Long live the Soviets and down with the Commissars”. Examine this slogan in the context of the Russian Civil War in 1918. Why did the White army lose against the Red? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: History of modern world by Jain & Mathur
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
Examine the causes of the Civil War following the Bolshevik Revolution, and causes for victory of the Reds (communists).
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Write who the warring parties were composed of (who were the “whites” and “reds”).
Body:
First, in detail list the causes for opposition to the Bolsheviks that led to the outbreak off the war. Mention in brief about the civil war.
Next, mention the outcome of the war and list the causes for defeat of the whites at the hands of Bolsheviks.
Conclusion:
End your answer by briefly writing about the political-economic impact of the civil war.
