Page 32 - Understanding NCERT Histroy 09th

Goyal Brothers Prakashan
2 Socialism in Europe and

The Russian Revolution

1. THE AGE OF SOCIAL CHANGE
l After the French Revolution, individual rights and social power began to be discussed

in many parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.
• Colonial development reshaped the ideas of societal change, but every one was not in
favour of the complete transformation of society.
• Some people wanted the establishment of democratic principles, the others supported the
monarchical form of the government.
• In the twentieth century, socialism became one of the most significant and powerful ideas
to shape society.

1.1 Liberals, Radicals and Conservatives
l Liberals wanted a nation which tolerated all religions.

l They opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rules and argued for a representative,
elected parliamentary government subject to laws interpreted by a well-trained judiciary
that was independent of rulers and officials.
l The liberals were not Democrats as they did not favour the principles of universal adult
franchise. They were in favour of voting only by propertied men.
• The radicals wanted a nation in which the government was elected by the majority of
the country’s population.
• Many radicals supported women’s suffragette movements to achieve voting rights.

• They opposed the privileges enjoyed by landowners and wealthy factory owners.
• Radicals were not against private property but were against the concentration of money
in the hands of a few people.
• The conservatives resisted change.

• However, after the French Revolution, conservatives believed in bringing about changes
but at a slow pace.
• After 19th century, conservatives, accepted changes but also believed that the past should
be respected and changes in society should be made gradually.

1.2 Industrial Society and Social Change
The Industrial Revolution led to changes in social and economic life, new cities came
l
up, and new industrialised regions developed.
• Men, women, and children came to factories in search of work.

History Class IX H-25