Page 45 - Understanding NCERT Histroy 09th

they were happily going about their work. Asians and Europeans mingled freely in
Russia, whereas it was unbelievable in India at that time.
(b) What did the writers fail to notice?
The two writers failed to notice that the people were not totally free to do as they
Goyal Brothers Prakashan
thought. Because the Bolsheviks ruled like dictators and followed repressive policy to
develop the nation quickly. The hard lives and poor working conditions of the Russian
people went unnoticed by these two writers.

Activities
(Page no. 48)
1. Imagine that you are a striking worker in 1905 who is being tried in court for your
act of rebellion. Draft the speech you would make in your defence.
Act out your speech for your class.
Ans. Your honor and respected citizens, present here, I have not committed any crime, in my
opinion. I am being tried for inciting rebellion. You know how the price of bread has
raised. My wages accordingly should have been increased so that my family can get two
square meal. Now-a -days, we only eat one meal in a day, as there is no money to buy
more food. So what is wrong if I demand to increase in wages?
2. Write the headline and a short news item about the uprising of 24 October 1917 for
each of the following newspapers
(a) Conservative paper in France
(b) Radical newspaper in Britain
(c) Bolshevik newspaper in Russia
Ans. (a) Conservative Newspaper in France:

The Socialist Terror in Russia: Supporters of Bolshevik have caused commotion in
Russia. The military troops have seized the government offices in a bid to overthrow
the Provisional Government. These disturbing events mark a Black day in the history
of Russia and is widely condemned.
(b) Radical Newspaper in Britain:
The Socialist Sun Rises in Russia: The morning of 24th October was a morning of
bliss and wonder in Russia. The rise of Bolsheviks against the oppressive Provisional
Government. Bolsheviks welcomed the support for more modern ideas and practices
that the world currently needs. This day is a mark of glorious victory for Socialists,
not just in Russia, but all around the world.
(c) A Bolshevik newspaper in Russia:
We Rise and We Win: This day is a remarkable day for the Russians as we finally
made the much awaited move against the irrational Provisional Government. We
overthrew the biased officials in all government offices and promise to establish a
more people-centric socialist government.
3. Imagine that you are a middle-level wheat farmer in Russia after collectivisation. You
have decided to write a letter to Stalin explaining your objections to collectivisation.
What would you write about the conditions of your life? What do you think would be
Stalin’s response to such a farmer?

Ans. Respected Stalin,
I am XYZ and I am a farmer in Mordovia. I am a middle level Russian wheat farmer.
I’m writing this letter to say something extremely important to you. The collectivization
policy which has been implemented to transform the traditional agricultural practices has
been a boon to some but a bane to many. Due to this prosperous peasants have been
H-38 History Class IX