Paper 1 Section A/C: Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and communism

June 2021

Q1: How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about Stolypin?

Explain your answer based on what it says in Interpretations A and B.

Answer:

For example, Interpretation A criticises Stolypin for damaging political progress in Russia by undermining the October Manifest and disrespecting the Duma. Whereas Interpretation B credits Stolypin with improving the political stability and economy of Russia. For example, Interpretation A says that Stolypin was a bad politician. Interpretation B says he was a successful politician.

Q2: Why might the authors of Interpretations A and B have a different interpretation

about Stolypin? Explain your answer using Interpretations A and B and your contextual knowledge.

Answer:

For example, Interpretation A is likely to be opposed to Stolypin because, as he was the author of the October manifesto, Witte wanted to see the development of the Duma’s power. However, Stolypin ignored the Duma and ruled by force. For example, Interpretation A is likely to be jealous of Stolypin because Stolypin got his job but Interpretation B is positive because Gurko worked alongside Stolypin and would therefore be positive about his contribution.

Q3: Which interpretation gives the more convincing opinion about Stolypin?

Explain your answer based on your contextual knowledge and what it says in Interpretations A and B.

Answer:

Interpretation B there was significant industrial growth in Russia while Stolypin was Prime Minister but there was also a significant increase in the repression of radicals. Huge numbers were arrested and executed giving rise to the term ‘Stolypin’s necktie’ in reference to the hangman’s noose. For example, Interpretation A is convincing because Stolypin was more conservative than Witte and he did not support further democratisation of Russia. In fact, he excluded large numbers from voting for the second Duma in For example, Interpretation B is convincing in its praise of Stolypin’s land reforms. He made it possible for peasants to opt out of the mir communes and make individual profits. For example, Interpretation A is convincing because Stolypin did execute strikers and protesters. Interpretation B is convincing because peasants were able to prosper.

Q4: Describe two problems faced by the Russian people during the First World War.

Answer:

One problem was that the cities became overcrowded with industrial workers doing created by war contracts and refugees fleeing from the advancing Another problem was the increase in food prices. Since many peasants were conscripted into the army there were not enough people left behind to farm the land and this created food shortages which in turn drove prices up. For example, people lost confidence in the Tsar’s leadership because the army suffered so many defeats.

Q5: In what ways were the lives of people affected by Stalin’s dictatorship?

Explain your answer.

Answer:

For example, Stalin’s dictatorship affected the quality of peoples’ lives on many levels. Their physical freedom was restricted by the risk of arrest and imprisonment but even if they remain at liberty, their intellectual freedom was denied through strict censorship. For example, Stalin wanted to modernise agriculture. Peasants were forced to join collectives under the control of communist leaders. Kulak who refused to hand over land or produce were arrested. For example, people were effectively brainwashed by the ‘Cult of Personality’ which convinced them that Stalin was a force for good in the country. Stalin and his achievements were constantly praised in public display; people were persuaded that denunciation of suspected counter revolutionaries was a For example, millions of people were arrested during the Great Terror and sent to do hard labour in prison camps called Gulags. For example, religious worship was banned.

Q6: Which of the following was the more important reason why Lenin was able to increase

his control in Russia, 1918-1924: • military success • economic policies? Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points.

Answer:

For example, both factors were interlinked. In the short-term military success was more important. However, in the long term, mindful of the Kronstadt rebellion in 1921, Lenin had to consolidate his success by guaranteeing that the Russian people would continue to support him. Economic policies were the means he used to deliver the bread, peace and land he had promised. For example, Lenin recognised that because of the hardship endured during the Civil war, he should abandon War Communism. He created the NEP in 1921 to improve the economy after the Civil War and the NEP allowed for private ownership and trading for profit which increased helped to increase production and brought more support for the communist government. For example, Lenin was able to stay in control after revolution because he had military success in the Civil war. The Bolsheviks controlled the towns and railways and the Red army was well led by Trotsky. Although the White Army had the support of foreign troops, they were still defeated by the Reds. For example, Lenin introduced War Communism to produce more weapons and food. The state took control of factories, trade unions were banned and food was rationed. The Cheka took surplus grain off peasants. For example, the Communists took control of the whole economy to make sure that the army was properly equipped and fed. The Reds won the Civil War against the Whites.