World History
Q1. Explain the main causes and catalysts for the Russian Revolution of 1917? Also, briefly discuss its impact on Ukraine. (10M)
Introduction
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a series of political events in Russia, involving first the overthrow of the system of autocracy, and then the overthrow of the liberal Provisional Government (Duma), resulting in the establishment of the Soviet power under the control of the Bolshevik party. This eventually led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, which lasted until its dissolution in 1991.
Body:
Main causes for the Russian revolution of 1917:
- Economic Situation: During the First World War, when the Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers in World War I; it blocked off key trade routes to the Russians. They could no longer deliver key supplies and their economy suffered in the process.
- Financial Crisis: Involvement in World War One or what is now called as The Great War had left Russia destitute, impoverished, and riddled with corruption.
- Social crisis: The social causes of the Russian Revolution mainly came from centuries of oppression towards the lower classes by the Tsarist regime and Nicholas’s failures in World War I.
- While rural agrarian peasants had been emancipated from serfdom in 1861, they still resented paying redemption payments to the state, and demanded communal tender of the land they worked.
- Political dissatisfaction: Politically, most areas of Russian society had reason to be dissatisfied with the existing autocratic system. They had no representation in government, and the Tsar remained out of touch with the people’s problems.
- Influence of Marxist Ideology: Marxist ideas, particularly among the urban working class and intellectual circles, gained prominence. Marxist ideology provided a framework for critiquing the existing social and economic order and offered a vision of a classless society.
Catalyst of Russian revolution:
- February Revolution: The February Revolution of 1917 was a spontaneous uprising triggered by food shortages, deteriorating living conditions, and dissatisfaction with the war.
- Mass protests and strikes erupted in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a Provisional Government.
- October Revolution: The final catalyst for the Russian Revolution was the October Revolution of 1917 (also known as the Bolshevik Revolution). On October 25th (according to the Julian calendar in use in Russia at the time), Bolshevik forces, led by Lenin, seized key government buildings in Petrograd, overthrowing the Provisional Government and establishing Bolshevik control.
- This marked the beginning of the Soviet era in Russia.
Impact on Ukraine:
- Nationalism: The revolution sparked a cultural and national awakening in Ukraine. Ukrainian nationalism and cultural revival flourished, with an emphasis on Ukrainian language, literature, and traditions.
- Russian-Ukraine conflict: The Russian Revolution intensified the Ukrainian-Soviet conflict. The Bolsheviks sought to bring Ukraine under their control, leading to a series of conflicts between Ukrainian nationalists and the Red Army. The resulting Ukrainian-Soviet War lasted from 1917 to 1921.
- Independence movement: The Russian revolution provided an opportunity for Ukraine to assert its independence. In 1918, the Ukrainian Central Rada declared Ukraine’s independence, establishing the Ukrainian People’s Republic. However, this independence was short-lived, as Ukraine faced challenges from both the Bolsheviks and other regional powers.
- Russification and Cultural Suppression: Under Soviet rule, efforts were made to suppress Ukrainian culture and promote Russian influence. Ukrainian language and cultural expressions were marginalized, and education was primarily conducted in Russian.
Conclusion
The Russian revolution’s global impact was significant, as it inspired revolutionary movements and shaped the dynamics of the Cold War. However, the ideals of equality were overshadowed by authoritarianism and human rights violations under Soviet rule.
Q2. How did the global political and economic aftermath of World War I contribute to the conditions that led to the outbreak of World War II? (15M)
Introduction
World War II, the largest and deadliest conflict in human history, involved more than 50 nations and was fought on land, sea and air in nearly every part of the world. Also known as the Second World War, it was caused in part by the economic crisis of the Great Depression and by political tensions left unresolved following the end of World War I.
Body:
Global political and economic aftermath of WWI contributing to WWII:
Political tensions
- Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany as the defeated party. The treaty’s punitive nature, particularly the war guilt clause and the economic burden it placed on Germany, fostered resentment and a desire for revenge.
- The treaty’s terms weakened Germany economically, politically, and socially, creating fertile ground for the rise of extremist ideologies and the eventual outbreak of war.
- Rise of Totalitarian Regimes: The interwar period saw the rise of totalitarian regimes in several countries, notably Germany, Italy, and Japan. Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party, Benito Mussolini’s Fascist Party, and the militarist government in Japan exploited nationalistic sentiments, economic grievances, and political instability to consolidate power.
- These regimes pursued expansionist agendas, challenging the existing international order and contributing to the escalation of tensions that led to war.
- Appeasement politics: The policy of appeasement pursued by some Western powers, notably Britain and France, toward aggressive actions by Nazi Germany further emboldened Hitler and allowed for the unchecked expansion of German influence.
- The Munich Agreement of 1938, which allowed Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, symbolized the failure of appeasement and the inability of diplomacy to prevent the outbreak of war.
- Failure of league of nation: The League of Nations, established after World War I to maintain peace and resolve conflicts, proved ineffective in addressing the rising tensions and aggression of the 1930s.
- Its inability to enforce disarmament, resolve territorial disputes, or prevent acts of aggression by expansionist powers like Italy, Japan, and Germany undermined its credibility and weakened the collective security framework.
- Ideological Conflict: Another cause of World War II was the ideological conflict between dictatorships on the one hand and democracies on the other.
- Germany, Italy and Japan (Axis states) stood for dictatorship, war and imperialism, while Britain, France and the U.S.A. stood for democracy, peace and status quo.
- The ideological conflict between the former and the latter prevented the adoption of a peaceful and balanced approach to the settlement of their disputes.
Economic conditions
- Great depression: The economic instability caused by World War I, combined with other factors, contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930s.
- Due to economic depression, In Europe, political power shifted to totalitarian and imperialist governments in several countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain.
- In Asia, a resource-starved Japan began to expand aggressively, invading China and manoeuvring to control a sphere of influence in the Pacific.
- Protectionist policies: The Great Depression also motivated individual nations to adopt more beggar-thy-neighbor trade policies to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
- These protectionist measures further reduced global trade and hindered economic recovery.
- Economic rivalries and competition: Economic rivalries and competition for resources, markets, and colonies played a significant role in fuelling tensions among major powers. Industrialized nations sought to expand their spheres of influence to secure access to vital resources, such as oil, rubber, and iron ore, which were crucial for their economies.
Conclusion
On September 1, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland from the west; two days later, France and Britain declared war on Germany, beginning World War II. The legacy of the war would include the spread of communism from the Soviet Union into eastern Europe as well as its eventual triumph in China, and the global shift in power from Europe to two rival superpowers–the United States and the Soviet Union–that would soon face off against each other in the Cold War.
Ethics
Syllabus: “Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
Q3. What do you understand by this quotation? ““The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.” -Jim Rohn
Introduction:
The quote encapsulates the essence of personal growth and character development as the true measures of value in life. It invites individuals to reflect on the significance of inner transformation, ethical conduct, and the positive impact they can have on others and society.
Body:
This quote challenges us to consider the deeper meaning and value of our live, in a world that often places great emphasis on material possessions and external achievements.
- Colonialism- political context: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers engaged in a race for colonial domination in Africa, dividing the continent among themselves. While these colonial powers sought to accumulate wealth, enmity among themselves grew which was one of the major reasons for two world wars which led to the loss of millions of lives and livelihoods.
- Developed vs Developing- economic context: Happiness may not directly co-relate to economic development. For Instance, many studies have found that richer countries have higher rates of mental health issues compared to poorer countries.
- High urban debts and crime – Financial context: Though many people migrate to urban areas for livelihood and job opportunities that does not automatically mean urban life is better. Its not what we get in cities but how we live matters. For Instance, crime rate is much lower in rural when compared to urban areas, where due to increased opportunities to commit a crime, the crime rate is high.
Personal context:
- Inner Development and Virtuous Character: The quote underscores the importance of inner development and cultivating virtuous character traits such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and resilience. Once a student asked A.P.J kalam, “What is the most important lesson you have learned in your life?” In response, Dr. said, “In my life, I have learned that if you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
- Moral and Ethical Progress: The quote encourages individuals to prioritize moral and ethical progress over materialistic pursuits. It implies that one’s ethical conduct, moral choices, and the impact of one’s actions on others carry more weight than mere accumulation of wealth or possessions. “The best things in life aren’t things.” – Art Buchwald
- Self-Reflection and Self-Improvement: The quote suggests that the journey of self-reflection and continuous self-improvement is the essence of a meaningful life. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on self-realization, self-discipline, and selflessness serve as an example of the pursuit of inner transformation and the realization of one’s potential for the greater good.
- Impact on Others and Society: The quote implies that the true value in life lies not only in personal growth but also in the positive impact one has on others and society as a whole. “Success is not about the accumulation of wealth, power, or fame, but about the positive impact we have on the lives of others and the world around us.” – Oprah Winfrey
- Balancing Material and Spiritual Growth: While the quote emphasizes the importance of personal development over material possessions, it does not negate the significance of meeting one’s basic needs or pursuing material goals.
Conclusion:
By prioritizing inner development, self-reflection, and contributing to the betterment of others, we can find true fulfilment and leave a lasting positive legacy in the world.
Case study
Q4. Arunima is currently working as a clerk in an accountancy firm. The firm is one of the topmost firms in the country. Ever since she joined this firm, she has been appreciated for her work-ethics and has also been duly recognized for this through prompt increments and bonuses. This constant state of appreciation has enabled Arunima to become a more confident and independent lady in the society.
Arunima was also offered a full-ride scholarship by the accountancy firm to pursue a course which would further help her in her career, letting go of this would be foolhardy. When she conveyed this pleasant news to everyone in the family; her parents who harbored conservative values were not that happy. They were trying to discourage Arunima from taking up this opportunity since they believed she would surpass her brothers in both knowledge levels and financial level as well which would lead to others seeing her brothers in a supposedly inferior level. Her parents were also afraid that grooms in their community would not want to marry someone who is “too intelligent” and “too financially independent.”
Arunima was heartbroken to hear this, she had never imagined that the parents that she loved and respected could ever value her potential through the prism of some regressive societal values. Her sadness even reflected in her work performance. Her efficiency started to go down, her motivation to be better and her confidence was slowly ebbing away by each day.
In the context of the above case study, answer the following questions:
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- What advice would you give to Arunima’s parents in favor of their daughter’s potential? Justify the reasoning behind your advice in an adequate manner.
- When you become an officer, how might would you deal with such cases in your department where individuals are suffering in an invisible manner because of barriers like this?
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Synopsis:
This is conflict between Arunima’s aspirations and her parents’ conservative mindset which puts her in emotional turmoil.
- Advise that I would give to her parents:
I believe the conservative mindset of their parents is making them react this way. They know how society around them thinks and are aware that this development will affect their child. My advise would be regarding broadening their outlook, which would help them look at society through a new lens and appreciate her daughters achievements and not be insecure about it. I would advise her parents to allow Arunima to take the course and support her in future endeavors.
- Individuality and Independence: Arunima’s parents should be proud of their daughter’s achievements and not compare her with her brothers. Each child is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses. Arunima’s success does not diminish her brothers’ worth or dignity in any way. I would help the parents understand that valuing Arunima’s individuality and fostering her financial independence will enable her to become a self-reliant and empowered individual.
I would advise Arunima’s parents to talk to Arunima’s female colleagues or seniors in office or enquire about the course. This interaction would help them familiarize with transforming society and how women are leading in many fronts.
- Equal Opportunities: Encourage the parents to recognize that providing equal opportunities for their children, regardless of gender, is essential for their overall development and success. By limiting Arunima’s potential based on societal expectations, they would be depriving her of the chance to fulfill her aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.
I would advise their parents to be the change, break stereotypes and change mindsets. When a girl is empowered. She can make her own decisions, raise the standard of living for her family and children, create more job opportunities, and reform society as a whole.
- Breaking Stereotypes: Challenge the notion that an intelligent and financially independent woman will be seen as a threat or undesirable in the marriage market. Encourage the parents to embrace the idea of progressive partnerships, where individuals value each other’s capabilities and support each other’s personal growth.
- Changing Mindsets and be the change: Urge the parents to consider the long-term consequences of their mindset. By encouraging Arunima to pursue her full potential, they contribute to breaking the cycle of gender inequality and empower future generations to challenge societal norms and prejudices.
I would also advise them to know more about mental health issues and how their actions might hurt Arunima.
- Health and well-being: Arunima’s parents should realize that by discouraging their daughter from taking up this opportunity, they are not only hurting her feelings but also harming her mental health and well-being.
I empathize with Arunima’s parents, but it is important for them to break traditional stereotypes and overcome their insecurities.
- Dealing with Similar Cases as an Officer:
As an officer, I would approach such cases with the following ethical considerations:
- Sensitivity and Empathy: Recognize the invisible struggles faced by individuals due to societal barriers and norms. Foster a compassionate and understanding environment where employees can openly express their concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal.
- Fairness and Equality: Ensure that policies and practices within the department promote equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender or any other personal characteristic. Encourage a culture of inclusivity and meritocracy, where individuals are recognized and rewarded based on their abilities and contributions.
- Education and Awareness: Implement educational initiatives to address regressive societal values and biases. Conduct workshops, seminars, or training programs to promote gender equality, challenge stereotypes, and foster a culture of respect and support.
- Support Networks: Establish support networks within the department, such as mentoring programs or employee resource groups, to provide guidance, encouragement, and mentorship to individuals facing invisible barriers. Foster an environment where employees can seek support and advice to overcome challenges and realize their full potential.
- Personal initiative: During a hectic project, one of the scientists got busy with work only to realize he missed taking his kids to an exhibition. He went back home only to find that his kids weren’t there and his boss A.P.J kalam took them to the exhibition. Similarly, I would take personal initiatives to do certain things for my colleagues and juniors. In this case, speaking to arunima’s parents and advising them.
By prioritizing sensitivity, fairness, education, and support, officers can create an inclusive work environment that values individuals for their abilities and potential, allowing them to thrive and contribute to their fullest capacity.
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