History
Read the two views on the revolution in the countryside. Imagine yourself to be a witness to the events. Write a short account from the standpoint of:
- an owner of an estate
- a small peasant
- a journalist
Russian Revolution
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Answer
The Estate Owner’s Perspective — I watched the world shift beneath my feet. The news of the October Revolution arrived like a tempest, tearing through the tranquil fabric of our lives. The revolution unfolded painlessly, but its weight pressed upon us. The orchard, once lush with fruit, fell to the peasants’ axes. The stock farms— the heartbeat of our livelihood were requisitioned. Rumors swirled— a tide of uncertainty. Villages plotted, committees debated. Would they evict us? Amid this turmoil, I found solace in one truth. Conscience lived among our people. The revolution had awakened empathy. We were no longer masters; we were fellow travelers on a new path.
The Small Peasant’s Perspective — The October Revolution was our beacon. The day the news reached our village, hope blossomed. Free land! An end to war! We gathered in the square, our hearts pounding. We prepared for Soviet life—the life we’d dreamed of. Mikhail Mikhailovich, now a relic, watched as his world crumbled. The chairman— the face of change behaved politely. We respected that. We weren’t enemies; we were architects of a new order. Committees debated, but our resolve held. The estate was ours now. We’d tasted freedom, and it was sweet.
The Journalist’s Perspective — As a journalist, ink flowed from my pen, capturing history’s dance. The October Revolution was my muse. The revolution tiptoed into the estate. Painlessly, quietly, it rearranged lives. Mikhail Mikhailovich, once lord, now observer remained calm. The chairman’s politeness intrigued me. He balanced power and compassion. Two cows, two horses—their fate mirrored our nation’s. I chronicled their journey. Villages murmured, committees debated. Would conscience prevail? The estate hung in limbo. I penned articles, capturing the pulse of change. Conscience, the heartbeat of revolution beat louder than any gunshot.
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Related Questions
The year is 1916. You are a general in the Tsar’s army on the eastern front. You are writing a report for the government in Moscow. In your report suggest what you think the government should do to improve the situation.
Look again at Source A and Box 1.
(a) List five changes in the mood of the workers.
(b) Place yourself in the position of a woman who has seen both situations and write an account of what has changed.
Box 1
Women in the February Revolution
'Women workers, often … inspired their male co-workers … At the Lorenz telephone factory, … Marfa Vasileva almost single handedly called a successful strike. Already that morning, in celebration of Women’s Day, women workers had presented red bows to the men … Then Marfa Vasileva, a milling machine operator stopped work and declared an impromptu strike. The workers on the floor were ready to support her … The foreman informed the management and sent her a loaf of bread. She took the bread but refused to go back to work. The administrator asked her again why she refused to work and she replied, “I cannot be the only one who is satiated when others are hungry”. Women workers from another section of the factory gathered around Marfa in support and gradually all the other women ceased working. Soon the men downed their tools as well and the entire crowd rushed onto the street.'
From: Choi Chatterji, Celebrating Women (2002).
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