Why did socialists outside Russia closely watch the Soviet experiment?

Correct answer: It was the first major attempt to build socialist rule

Direct answer: Option A, it was the first major attempt to build socialist rule. Socialists outside Russia watched closely because the Soviet government was not merely discussing socialism; it was attempting to organise a large state according to socialist principles. The word “experiment” means a practical trial whose results are observed, debated and evaluated. The reasoning is: the Revolution brought a socialist-claiming government to power; it introduced policies intended to transform ownership, production and administration; therefore socialists elsewhere wanted to see whether socialist rule could work in practice. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because the project did not aim to save monarchy. Option C is wrong because increasing feudal power would restore an older privileged order, the opposite of the socialist aim. Option D is wrong because the experiment was much broader than a reform of trade taxes; it concerned the structure of state and economy. Exam cue: first major practical attempt means worldwide attention, support and criticism.