DEPTH STUDIES: How far did de-stalinisation represent a genuine break from the past?

Question 1

When did Khrushchev become PM?

Answer 1

• 1958.

Question 2

Elements of desalinisation that Khrushchev appeared successful in achieving:

Answer 2

• Making the communist party more accountable to the people.
• Reforming the bureaucracy so it appeared less corrupt and more effective in dealing with the needs of the population.

Question 3

Argument that Khrushchev’s desalinisation had little significant impact in Russia?

Answer 3

• Adhered to the stalinist style central planning of the economy.
• Reluctant to embrace an economic system that was even partly based on market forces.

Question 4

Evidence that Khrushchev’s policy of de-Stalinisation was popular?

Answer 4

• There was very little rural unrest under Khrushchev.
• Khrushchev spent most of his time in the countryside, conferring with party secretaries and making promises to the presents.

Question 5

When was there opposition to Khrushchev?

Answer 5

• During the failures of his Virgin Land Campaign.
• Khrushchev was not afraid to resort to force to deal with unrest.

Question 6

What events led to Khrushchev’s eventual downfall?

Answer 6

• Failure of agricultural policy.
• Loss of prestige over the Cuban Missile Crisis.
• Deteriorations in relations with China.
• Khrushchev’s decentralisation of power - seen to threaten key members of the bureaucracy.
• Defence cuts which annoyed the military.