question_answer 4)

Look again at Source A and Box 1.  

Source A Alexander Shiyapnikov, a socialist worker of the time, gives us a description of how the meetings were organised: 'Propaganda was done in the plants and shops on an individual basis. There were also discussion circles... Legal meetings took place on matters concerning [official issues], but this activity was skilfully integrated into the general struggle for the liberation of the working class. Illegal meetings were... arranged on the spur of the moment but in an organised way during lunch, in evening break, in front of the exit, in the yard or, in establishments with several floors, on the stairs. The most alert workers would form a "plug" in the doorway, and the whole mass piled up in the exit. An agitator would get up right there on the spot. Management would contact the police on the telephone, but the speeches would have already been made and the necessary decision taken by the time they arrived ....' Alexander Shiyapnikov, On the Eve of 1917. Reminiscences from the Revolutionary Underground.

 

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).                                                            Box1

(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.  

Answer:

(a)The changes in the mood of the workers were  (i) Earlier only meetings were being held in an organised manner. Now the workers just stopped work to press for their rights, like Marfa Vasileva did. (ii) Earlier there is no mention of any women workers. But now a  woman worker initiated the strike by stopping work. (iii) Earlier there was no demonstration of unity between men and women workers. Now the women presented red bows to the men, showing the unity Also, the men downed tools in support of the women who had gone on strike.                             (iv) The mood of the workers was more determined now. They took action instead of just talking. (v) Earlier work used to go on due to workers being afraid of some counter action from the management side, but now the work was stopped, showing the fearlessness of the workmen.   (b) I have seen both situations and I feel that although earlier the workers gave vent to their problems by organising meetings only, now they are fearless, willing to sacrifice their job, rebellious and supporting each other's action as well as cutting across gender differences.