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14. THE WORLD BETWEEN WARS:1900-1950, Part - II

Important Points for Bits

1. The Kings of Russia are called as Tsars.
2. The biggest looser of human lives in World War I – Russia.
3. The last of the tsars of Russia was Nicholas II.
4. In Russia, women took out a procession at St.Petersberg on March 8th 1917.
5. On March 8th 1917, Women took out a procession demanding ‘Peace and Bread” in Russia.
6. The Tsar who abdicated throne was Tsar Nicholas II after Russian Revolution.
7. Russia followed the Julian calendar until 1st Feb, 1918.
8. The calendar that every country following now is Gregorian calendar.
9. The dates in Gregorian calendar are 13 days ahead of the dates in Julian calendar.
10. Bolsheviks are a group of communists.
11. The leader of Bolsheviks was Lenin.
12. USSR stands for Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
13. After the death of Lenin, the leader of communist party – Stalin.
14. Women worker who led the February Revolution was Marfa Vasileva.
15. Comintern is an international organization formed to promote communism all over the world.
16. The writer of Animal Farm – George Orwell.
17. In his famous novel, ‘ANIMAL FARM’, George Orwell described how the ideals of Russian Revolution
were compromised in USSR.
18. J.M.Keynes was the great economist.
19. Keynes solution to economic depression –
20. Roosevelt was the president of America.
21. Roosevelt announced the New Deal Policy.
22. In Germany, large scale print of currency led to the problem of inflation.
23. It is said that people had to carry currency in carts to buy one loaf of bread during inflation.
24. Germany was the worst hit by the Great Depression.
25. During Depression, in the streets of Germany, men hanging placards around their necks saying –
willing to do any work – were found.
26. The parliament of Germany – Reichstag.
27. The symbol of Nazi party – Swastika.
28. Hitler was a firm enemy of these minorities – Jews.
29. During the regime of Hitler about 6 million of Jews were killed.
30. This act gave all powers to Hitler – Enabling Act.
31. The secret police force in Germany – Gestapo.
32. The protection squads in Germany – SS.
33. The regular police in Germany was called as Storm Troopers.
34. Hitler assigned the responsibility of economic recovery of Germany to Hjalmar Schachit.
35. Second World War started with this incident – Hitler’s attack on Poland.
36. Hitler had waged a genocidal war against – Jews, Gypsies and Polish civilians.
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37. Nazi killing centre – Auschwitz.

38. Germany was defeated in the battle of Stalingrad in 1943 by USSR.
39. The capital of Germany – Berlin.
40. German Democratic Republic was (GDR) was under the control of USSR.
41. Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) was under the control of USA.
42. USA dropped atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
43. Hiroshima and Nagasaki are the cities in Japan.
44. Parliament of Japan is DIET.
45. Trails were held at Nuremberg on the Nazi criminals. About 12 Nazi leaders were sentenced to death.
46. USA or America announced Marshall Plan for the economic recovery of Western European countries.
47. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin participated in the Yalta conference.
48. The international organization formed after Second World War – United Nations Organization.
49. Two super powers emerged after the World War II – USA and USSR.
50. Which of the following is branch of Germany’s secret police? ( B )
A. Castopo B. Gestapo C. Starmpo D. Trupers
51. The civil war lasted in Russia between ……………….. ( C )
A. 1918 to 1925 B. 1917-1920 C. 1918 to 1920 D. 1917-1924
52. What is the most significant result of the February Revolution in Russia? ( A )
A. Abdication of the Tzar B. Women empowerment
C. End of World War I D. Lenin came to power
53. The first Russian Revolution of 1917 was called ………………. ( B )
A. August revolution B. February revolution
C. October revolution D. December revolution
th
54. On 8 March, 1917, around 10,000 women of the capital St.Petersburg, took out a procession
demanding ……………………….. ( C )
A. Land B. Housing C. Peace and Bread D. Sufficient wages
55. The parliament of Germany is called as ………….. ( B )
A. Duma B. Reichstag C. Diet D. Congress
56. Who nationalized the Suez canal? ( A )
A. Abdul Nazar B. Churchill C. Geroge Washington D. Bismark
57. J.M.Keynes was the great ……….. ( C )
A. Scientist B. Politician C. Economist D. Environmentalist
58. Which of the following countries is not a member of the Triple Alliance? ( B )
A. Germany B. France C. Austria D. Itlay
59. The immediate cause for the Second World War was ……………. ( B )
A. Aggressive nationalism B. Hitler attacked on Poland
C. Militarism D. Death of Ferdinand and Sofia
60. In modern times, “Women should not be confined themselves only to the family responsibilities”,
because ………….. ( B )
A. Half of the population in the society is women.
B. Women have equal rights along with men.
C. Women should also participate in social development.
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D. Women have immense patience.

61. Which of the following activities of Hitler do you appreciate? ( B )
A. Declaration of establishment of racial superiority.
B. Best oration that moves and attracts people.
C. Arresting political rivals.
D. War with neighboring countries.
62. Which of the following activities of Hitler led to the World War? ( D )
A. Declaration of establishment of racial superiority B. Arresting political rivals
C. Invading the neighboring countries D. All of these
63. Who among the following persons were not inspired by the Communism? ( D )
A. M.N.Roy B. Tagore C. Jawaharlal Nehru D. Subhash Chandra Bose
64. The feature which is not related to Stalin among the following is ………….. ( D )
A. Collectivization of agriculture B. Announcement of the New Deal Policy
C. Introduction of Five Year Plans D. Rapid industrialization
65. In his famous novel, ‘Animal Farm’, George Orwell described …………. ( B )
A. How Russia was able to escape the effect of the Depression
B. How the ideals of Russian Revolution were compromised in USSR
C. How Russia achieved full employment for all its citizens.
D. How the agricultural production developed in Russia.
66. Which among the following was not true in the context of Second World War? ( B )
A. The worst effected were the European countries.
B. The industries of USA were highly damaged.
C. Colonial power could no longer justify their colonial policies.
D. USSR emerged as a champion of anti-colonial struggle
67. This is not an effect of the Great Depression. ( D )
A. Increase of unemployment B. Reduction of industrial production
C. Youth took to criminal activities D. Increase in employment

IMPORTANT YEARS
Debate over socialism took place in Russia 1850s – 1880s
Formation of Socialist Democratic Workers party in Russia 1898
Bloody Sunday and the Revolution in Russia 1905
Abdication of Tsar in Russia 2nd March, 1917
Bolsheviks captured power in October, 1917 October, 1917
Bolshevik uprising in Petrograd 24th Oct, 1917
Civil war in Russia lasted between 1918-1920
Comintern was formed in 1919
Lenin died in 1924
Introduction of Five Year Plans in Russia 1928
Collectivization of agriculture began in Russia 1929
Proclamation of the Weimar Republic in Germany Nov 9, 1918
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Nazi party came to power 1932

Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany on Jan 30, 1933
Enabling Act was passed on 3rd March, 1933
Germany / Hitler invaded Poland on 1st Sept, 1939
Mass murder of the Jews began on June 23, 1941
Second World War began in 1st Sept, 1939
USA joined the Second World War on Dec 8, 1941
Battle of Stalingrad took place in 1943
Soviet troops liberated the Auschwitz on Jan 27th, 1945
Victory of Allies in Europe May 8, 1945

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QUESTIONS
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1 MARKS QUESTIONS
1. What are called Soviets?
A. In Russia, the councils of peasants, workers and soldiers are called Soviets.
2. Civil War in Russia.
A. During 1918-20, a civil war was led by white armies of Russia monarchists and anti-communist
soldiers.
3. Expand USSR.
A. Union of Soviet Socialist Republic
4. Explain the New Deal policy of Roosevelt.
A. Roosevelt was the President of USA. He introduced the ‘New Deal’ policy. Through this he promised
Relief to the victims of depression, Reform of financial institutions and steps to ensure economic
Recovery by undertaking large public works.
5. What is the theme in the book Animal Farm?
A. The famous satire was written be George Orwell. In this, he had written how the ideals of Russian
Revolution were compromised by the new government.
6. What is meant by economic depression?
A. Great depression refers to worldwide economic decline triggered by a decline in demand and fall in
prices.
7. Who were the Indian leaders inspired by communism?
A. The Indian leaders who were inspired by the idea of communism are – M.N.Roy, Ravindranath Tagore
and J.L. Nehru.
8. What is Enabling Act?
A. The famous Enabling Act was passed on 3rd March, 1933 in Germany. This act established dictatorship
in Germany. It gave Hitler all powers to sideline Parliament and rule by decrees.
9. What were the super powers emerged after World War II?
A. USA and USSR are the two super powers emerged after the Second World War.
10. What were the ideological and political camps emerged after the World War?
A. The ideological and political camps emerged after the World War are :
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1. Communist bloc led by USSR.

2. Capitalist bloc led by USA.
2 MARKS QUESTIONS
1. Explain the February – March Revolution of Russia?
A. 1. In Russia, diversion of food to the war front led to shortages in cities.
1. On March 8th 1917, around 10,000 women of the capital, St.Petersburg, took out a procession
demanding ‘peace and bread’.
2. Workers and soldiers joined the protest.
3. Feared with the situation, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated and non-aristocratic Russians made a
provincial government.
2. How the Bolsheviks did able to win the confidence of Soviets?
A. Bolsheviks were able to win the confidence of Soviets because –
1. They demanded the immediate and unconditional peace.
2. Nationalization of all land and its redistribution to the peasants.
3. Control of prices.
4. Nationalization of all factories and banks.
3. Explain the system of ‘Collectivization of agriculture’.
OR
What were the agriculture reforms of Joseph Stalin?
A. 1. In USSR, Stalin introduced the collectivization of agriculture.
2. The small and large farmers are forced to surrender their lands and join collective farms.
3. These forms pooled in all the land in the village along with tools and machines and animals.
4. Farmers worked together and the produce was divided among the members of the farms.
5. The idea was to shift from small scale farming to large scale farming so that new techniques and
machines could be used.
6. Thousands of large farmers resisted this and had to face imprisonment, deportation and even to
death.
4. What are the impacts of the great depression in USA?
A. Impact of great depression on USA:
1. Great depression began with a stock market collapse in the USA.
2. About 25% Americans became unemployed.
3. Factories were closed down and trade declined cities.
4. The fall in the prices of agricultural produce caused pauperization of millions of farmers and
stopping cultivation.
5. It led to increasing poverty, desolation, homelessness, etc.
5. What were the programs of Soviet government of Russia under the leadership of Stalin?
A. Programs of Soviet Government of Russia:
1. Rapid industrialization.
2. Collectivization of agriculture.
3. Extended Schooling system.
4. Cheep public care.
6. “The USSR was prided itself in escaping the impact of the Great Depression”. How?
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A. USSR was able to escape from the impact of Great Depression because –
1. It was not integrated with the international market.
2. It had planned economy in which the stated maintain a balance between demand and supply.
7. What are the effects of Great Depression?
A. Effects of Great Depression:
1. Decline in aggregated demand.
2. Fall in the prices of goods.
3. Decline in the real incomes of the people.
4. Massive unemployment.
5. Closure of factory production.
8. What aspects of welfare state do you find functioning in India today?
A. India had taken many steps to establish a welfare state. They include –
1. Reservation facilities are provided for weaker sections.
2. Cheep public health care is provided.
3. Food security through PDS is provided.
4. Provided housing for weaker sections.
5. Social security measures such as old age pensions are provided.
9. What promises of Hitler got attracted by the Germans?
A. 1. Hitler was a powerful speaker. His passion and his world moved the people.
2. He promised to build a strong nation and restore the dignity of the German people.
3. He promised to provide employment for those looking for work, and a secure life for the youth.
4. He promised to weed out all foreign influences and resist all foreign conspiracies against Germany.
10. What were the political changes brought under the Nazi rule?
A. Political changes brought under the Nazi rule:
1. Undemocratic and aristocratic rule was established.
2. Leaders of opposition parties were arrested and punished in the concentration camps.
3. All political parties and trade unions were banned.
4. Special surveillance and security forces were created to control and order society in ways Nazis
wanted.
5. In 1933, Hitler gained all the powers to his hand and ruled with decrees.
11. The experience of war and depression gave rise to many new alternative models of national
development. What were these and what were the limitations?
A. 1. International organizations such as the League of Nations and United Nations Organizations were
set up to prevent wars in future.
2. Efforts were made for the economic revival of the countries.
3. Social security measures were taken up.
4. Democratic principles were asserted.
5. Many colonial countries got independence.
12. What was the solution for the crisis of Great Depression according to J.M.Keynes?
A. According to JM Keynes, the famous economist,
1. The state has a crucial role in the functioning of the economy.
2. If the state failures to intervene effectively it led to situations of depression.
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3. The decline in aggregate demand is the cause of depression.

4. So, the state should invest funds and generate employment which will help people to earn money
and demand goods in the market.
5. This generation of demand through state action will help the economy revive.
4 MARKS QUESTIONS
1. Compare different points of view about Great Depression. Which one would you agree with? Why?
A. The Great Depression began in 1929 which resulted in severe economic decline in different countries.
Economists and politicians have different view on this.
Marxist economists:
1. They argued that this kind of crisis is an essential feature of capitalism.
2. This can be get rid of only with the establishment of socialism.
JM Keynes, the famous economist:
1. The state has a crucial role in the functioning of the economy.
2. If it fails to intervene effectively it led to situations of depression.
3. The decline in aggregate demand is the cause of depression.
4. So, the state should invest funds and generate employment which will help people to earn money
and demand goods in the market.
5. This generation of demand through state action will help the economy revive.
My opinion:
I agree with the opinion of Keynes because we pointed out the government’s
responsibility to maintain a balance between demand and supply. He also suggested the government
to create employment opportunities to the people so that they earn money and demand goods.
2. “The German economy was the worst hit by the great Depression”. Explain.
A. 1. Great Depression began in 1929 and continued till 1939.
2. The German economy was the worst hit by the depression.
3. By 1932, the industrial production was reduced by 40% of the 1929 level.
4. Workers lost their jobs or were paid low wages.
5. The number of unemployed youth touched to 6 million.
6. The people wore placards around their necks saying – “willing to do any work”.
7. The unemployed youth took up illegal activities like playing cards.
8. The savings of the salaried employees and pensioners diminished.
9. Peasants suffered much by the sharp fall in agricultural prices.
10. This caused acute political instability in Germany.
3. Compare the experiences of USSR and Germany after the First World War. What similarities and
differences do you find between them?
A. Germany after World War I:
1. After the World War I, the defeated Germany signed on the treaty of Versailles, which imposed
territorial penalties and military cuts on it.
2. It was also force to pay huge war compensation.
3. It was the worst affected by the Great Depression.
4. People lost their jobs or were paid reduced wages.
5. The number of unemployed touched to 6 million.
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6. Hitler, the leader of Nazi party wanted to establish racial supremacy of Aryan Germans over the
world.
7. He made genocidal war against the minority Jews.
8. He established an undemocratic and aristocratic rule in Germany.
Russia after World War I:
1. Bolsheviks, a group of Russian Communist Party formed government after the First World War.
2. The new government wanted to build a country without exploiters like feudal lords, Kings and
capitalists.
3. Stalin used his undisputed power to build the economy of USSR.
4. Five Year Plans were implemented for planned economic development in 1928.
5. Collectivization of agriculture helped to increase the agricultural production.
6. Industries were built in an unprecedented scale.
7. The government did not allow free market and maintained a balance between demand and
supply.
8. USSR achieved full employment for all its citizens.
9. USSR was able to escape for the effect of Great Depression.
Similarities:
1. Political power was in the hands of one political party.
2. Democratic principles were denied.
3. Opposition was suppressed.
4. Efforts were made for the revival of their economies.
Differences:
1. Germany with its aggressive foreign policy was responsible for another war. Russia supported the
allies.
2. Germany was the worst hit by the Great Depression. Russia was able to escape from the effect of
depression.
4. Write about the rise of Hitler in Germany?
A. 1. Hitler was the founder of Nazi party in Germany.
2. He was a good speaker and attracted all kinds of people with his speeches.
3. His passion and his words moved people.
4. He promised the people to build a strong nation, undo injustice of the Versailles treaty and restore
the dignity of Germany.
5. He promised employment for those looking for work.
6. He promised to weed out the foreign influences and resist all foreign conspiracies against
Germany.
7. People who were attracted by his vision voted to the Nazi party.
8. In 1932, the Nazi party got 37% of votes and came to power.
9. Then Hitler sidelined the Parliament and established an undemocratic and autocratic rule in
Germany.
5. Russian Revolution brought in many changes in their society. What were they?
A. Russian Revolution brought many changes in the society. They are:
1. Tsar Nicholas II was abdicated from the throne.
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2. Common people demanded the withdrawal of Russia from the war.

3. Bolsheviks wanted to build a society without exploiters like feudal lords, Kinds and capitalists.
4. A program of planned economic development began with Five Year Plans from 1928.
5. Collectivization of agriculture helped to increase production.
6. Rapid industrialization provided employment opportunities to the people.
7. All industries were nationalized and state did not allow free market.
8. An extended schooling system was developed.
9. Cheep public health care was provided for the people.
Challenges faced:
1. Many large farmers resisted the collectivization of agriculture. Those farmers had to face
imprisonment, deportation and even death.
2. Rapid industrialization led to poor working conditions.
3. A severe famine occurred in 1929-30.
4. Civil war lasted between 1918 - 20.
5. Violent elimination of opposition and denial of multiparty democracy was criticized.
6. In what ways was the Second World War a logical outcome of Hitler’s ideology and economic policies?
A. 1. World War I ended with the treaty of Versailles.
2. This treaty imposed territorial penalties and military cuts on Germany.
3. They were attracted by the speeches of Hitler, the leader of Nazi party.
4. In 1932, Nazi party got 37% of votes and Hitler came to power.
5. He established an undemocratic and aristocratic rule.
6. Through Enabling Act – 1933, he got all powers to sideline parliament and rule by decrees.
7. He wanted to establish the racial supremacy of Aryan Germans over the world.
8. He blamed the minority Jews were responsible for all the problems in Germany. He arrested and
executed about 6 million Jews.
9. He prepared the mindset of the German people to support war.
10. He pursued an aggressive foreign policy for recovering the territories lost.
11. On 1st September, 1939 Hitler invaded Poland. This was the beginning of World War II.
7. What challenges were faced by Germany during Great Depression and how did Nazi rulers and Hitler
make use of it?
A. 1. The German economy was the worst hit by the economic depression.
2. By 1932, industrial production was reduced to 40% of the 1929 level.
3. Workers lost their jobs or were paid reduced wages.
4. The number of unemployed youth touched an unprecedented 6 million.
5. Unemployed youth took up criminal activities.
6. The economic crisis created deep anxieties and fears in people.
7. The savings of the salaried and pensions diminished.
8. Peasants suffered as the prices of agricultural products fell down.
9. This caused political instability in Germany.
Hitler used this situation:
1. Hitler made this situation as an opportunity and tried to attract the people with his speeches.
2. He promised to build a strong nation, undo the injustice of the Versailles Treaty and restore the
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dignity of the German people.

3. He promised to weed out all foreign influences and resist all foreign conspiracies against
Germany.
4. He promised employment for those looking for work, and a secure life for the youth.
5. In the elections held in 1932, Nazi party gained power and Hitler came to power.
8. Why do you think Hitler wanted to target Jews as the enemy of German people?
A. 1. Hitler wanted to establish the racial supremacy of Germans over the world.
2. He felt the minority Jews were the main cause of all problems.
3. He thought the capitalism and communism are the conspiracies of Jews.
4. He blamed Jews that they are responsible for the economic crisis and defeat of Germany in the
war.
5. He waged a genocidal war against Jews. About 6 million Jews died in the holocaust.
6. They devised an unprecedented means of killing like gassing them.
This kind of discrimination is found in many countries of the world. For example, in USA,
there is racial segregation between whites and non whites.
9. List the measures taken under idea of welfare state under Great Depression and explain how similar
or different they are from that of the reforms that emerged under the USSR?
A. Measures taken during Great Depression:
1. Large public works were taken up to generate employment.
2. Social security measures like old age pensions, unemployment insurance were given.
3. Governments spent more to provide food, housing, health, child and old age care and education.
4. Industries and banks were nationalized.
5. Labor welfare measures are taken up.
In USSR also same measures were taken up. But, the way they implemented was criticized.
For example, in USSR, collectivization of agriculture was taken up. Many large farmers who resisted
this had to face imprisonment, deportation or death. To implement reforms, the government
suppressed all the opposition parties.
10. In what ways were Jews persecuted during the Nazi Germany? Do you think in every country some
people are differentiated because of their identity?
A. 1. In Germany, the Jews were persecuted during the regime of Hitler.
2. He made Jewish people are responsible for all the problems in Germany.
3. He blamed the minority Jew were responsible for the economic crisis and even the defeat of
Germany in the war.
4. He waged genocidal war against the Jew and nearly 6 million people were killed in the holocaust.
5. Nazis devised an unprecedented means of killing people like by gassing them in various killing
centers like Auschwitz.
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Map Pointing Questions
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Russia …. China …. India …. Ukraine …. Uzbekistan …. Kazakhstan …. Tajikistan …. Turk mania …. Britain
…. France …. USA …. Japan …. Russia …. Germany …. Mongolia …. Nepal …. Tibet …. Bhutan ….
Bangladesh …. Thailand …. Singapore …. Malaysia …. Hong Kong …. Taiwan …. Philippines ...... Korea ….
Japan …. New Zealand .... Italy …. Indonesia …. Vietnam …. Egypt …. Nigeria