essays

Question 1

‘The Emancipation of the Serfs caused more problems than it solved. How far do you agree/disagree?’
LOA

Answer 1

agree to a large extent. alienation of peasantry and nobility- social issues continued to plague future tsars. ultimately transformed disgruntlement with regime into unstoppable desire for greater freedom across society.

1) long-term resentment peasants, disgruntled nobility
2) counter
3) created greater desire for freedom

Question 2

‘The Emancipation of the Serfs caused more problems than it solved.’
Factor 1

Answer 2

RPs- 49 yrs, burden, 6% interest, overcharged
only free in theory (property, law, tied to land). anger towards local auth- but still knock-on effect (vulnerable). 647 riots in 4 months. domestic peasants- no work/land. QoL signif worse.

resented loss of power/influence/property. wouldn’t invest bc losses. most against. 1905- 50% of land owned in 1861 mortgaged bc noble bankruptcies (didn’t stop economic decline as intended)

Question 3

‘The Emancipation of the Serfs caused more problems than it solved.’
Counter

Answer 3

idk

Question 4

‘The Emancipation of the Serfs caused more problems than it solved.’
Factor 3

Answer 4

provoked intelligentsia who saw potential for change- rise in radical opposition
expanded middle-class- later desire western freedoms e.g. elective legislative body and limited monarchy

Question 5

‘AII was a Tsar Liberator.’ How far do you agree/disagree?

LOA

Answer 5

In name only. Parts of reforms fell short. Didn’t bring necessary changes to autocracy and society. Posed more failures than successes.

1) Emancipation failures
2) counter
3) reversal of reforms

Question 6

AIII was a tsar liberator

factor 1

Answer 6

emancipation edict 1861 unsuccessful. didnt go far enough.

motivation- appease peasants not liberate/reactionary policy (black sea cost rebellion)

Question 7

AII was a tsar liberator

counter

Answer 7

idk

Question 8

AII was a tsar liberator

factor 3

Answer 8

judicial and censorship

Question 9

opposition to tsarism achieved nothing in the years 1866-94

LOA

Answer 9

agree to some extent. immediate aims of toppling autocracy and inspiring agarian revolution not achieved. but long-term liberal reforms and foundations for revolution achieved during this period which refutes notion of achieving ‘nothing’

1) many liberal reforms achieved and maintained
2) counter- failued at starting revolution
3) assassination of AII

Question 10

opposition achieved nothing 1866-94

factor 1

Answer 10

many liberal reforms opposition pushed for and achieved under AII were maintained under AIII- long-term effect, achieving significantly under both

Question 11

opposition achieved nothing 1866-94

counter

Answer 11

‘going to the people’ movement of narodniks complete failure.

Question 12

opposition achieved nothing 1866-94

factor 3

Answer 12

extremely significant achievement. irrefutably proved inherent weakness and fallibility of tsars.

however failed to topple autocracy which was key aim, led to stricter regime under aiii

Question 13

there was more continuity than change in russian society between 1855-1894.
LOA

Answer 13

agree to some extent. reforms did signif alter political nation and threatened tsar stability by permanently politicizing russian society. however poverty of peasants and marginalization of opposition groups remained largely the same.

1) emancipation didn’t change THAT much
2) counter- signif change in political consciousness
3) effective repression of opposition groups influence ensured they remained marginalised and powerless by 1894

Question 14

there was more continuity than change in russian society between 1855-1894.
factor 1

Answer 14

on surface changed lives of former serfs significantly and aiii didnt seem to reverse. but restrictions applied that ensured continuity more prevalent.

Question 15

there was more continuity than change society 1855-1894

counter

Answer 15

aii liberal reforms- signif change in political consciousness and activity of middle and lower classes in urban areas. aiii could not completely reverse, created platform for subsequent revolution. however such major changes occured after 1894.

Question 16

there was more continuity than change society 1855-94

Answer 16

on surface opposition groups achieved significantly to change society. but effective repression by aii and aiii.

Question 17

while aii was the great reformer, aiii was the great reactionary.
assess validity
LOA

Answer 17

invalid to a large extent. aii reformer exaggerated (later reversal of lib reforms in education and ineffective local gov changes). aii great reactionary title justified. brutal crackdown on opposition groups, education and minorities in reign. may be invalid aii reforms significant not ‘great’

Question 18

tsarist policy towards national minority groups between 1863-94 weakened tsarist system.
agree/disagree
LOA

Answer 18

agree to some extent. russification and associated policies persecuted national minorities slightly weakened system- convinced aii and aiii that underlying social and economic issues could be ignored by heightening ethnic tensions and using coercive power to culturally unite empire. 1894 system threatened by long-term resentment from poles and jews. also normalised violence and tool within empire. short-term stability traded for long-term greater instability and ignorance of key social and economic issues.

1) russification- protests, poland
2) counter- russification in ukraine
3) russification- alienated minorities LT, Jews

Question 19

tsarist policy towards national minority groups 1863-94 weakened tsarist system
factor 1

Answer 19

triggered more protests and uprisings across empire and in key region of poland

Question 20

tsarist policy towards national miorities 1863-94 weakened tsarist system
counter

Answer 20

russification in ukraine mostly successful and strengthened system by controlling intelligentsia and ukranian culture

Question 21

tsarist policy towards national minorities 1863-94 weakened tsarist system
factor 3

Answer 21

alienated minoritiy groups from empire in LT. heightened ethnic tensions. viscious campaign of pogroms against jews.

Question 22

opposition groups did much to shake the foundations of tsarism 1855-1811
validity
LOA

Answer 22

invalid to some extent. system remained same with no limitation on tsarist power and control. some groups did see success (e.g. westernisers w various reforms and peoples will with assassination), tsarism remained strong throughout bc of counter-reforms and not submitting to demands that would reduce power.

1) counter-reforms by tsars
2) counter- assassinations and some successes (but minimal impact on fundamental foundations of tsarism)
3) opp groups for agrarian revolution little success

Question 23

opposition groups did much to shake the foundations of tsarism 1855-1881
validity
factor 1

Answer 23

idk lol

Question 24

opposition groups did much to shake the foundations of tsarism 1855-1881
counter

Answer 24

some levels of success e.g. political opposition groups striving for greater freedoms and rights. but failed to affect tsarism as whole.

opposition from rev groups successful at killing aii in 1881 but fundamental foundations of tsarism unaffected.

Question 25

opposition groups did much to shake the foundations of tsarism 1855-1881 factor 3

Answer 25

opposition groups that aimed at initiating agrarian revolution little success so minimal impact

Question 26

tsarism was stable in 1914 agree/disagree LOA

Answer 26

agree to some extent. stable in 1914 but start of change. retained ultimate control of country, used coercion to quell radical opponents. enough power to close duma and remained unchallenged when refusing to cooperate with opponents. only consequences of war after 1914 led to downfall.

Question 27

the political unrest of 1905 revolution was brought about by failures in the russo-japanese war. agree/disagree

Answer 27

disagree to some extent. ultimately incompetence/shortcomings of nii as a leader which caused revolution. despite russo japanese war and alexander aii's actions creating conditions for revolution, it was nii's erroneous action/inaction, which turned people against him. triggered revolution. 1) russia japanese war signif to some extent 2) incompetence of nii more important 3) also backlash from aii important

Question 28

the political unrest of 1905 revolution was brought about by failures in the russo-japanese war. factor 1

Answer 28

plehve called for 'short swift victorious war' but by end of 1904 russia had surrendered at port arthur. defeats turned intial anti-japanese patriotism into discontent, increased opposition.

Question 29

the political unrest of 1905 revolution was brought about by failures in the russo-japanese war. factor 2

Answer 29

existing political unrest. nii incompetent ruler. never meant to be tsar.

Question 30

the political unrest of 1905 revolution was brought about by failures in the russo-japanese war. factor 3

Answer 30

famine (long term impacts)

Question 31

to what extent did nii uphole his pledge to maintain the principle of autocracy in the years 1894-1914? LOA

Answer 31

agree to lage extent. despite facing opposition from nationalities and introducing reforms which appeared to give power to devolved bodies, his successful use of repression and laws to maintain control ensured he didn't lose any autocratic power. 1) resistance crushed 2) counter- new democratic reforms 3) fundamental laws

Question 32

to what extent did nii uphole his pledge to maintain the principle of autocracy in the years 1894-1914? factor 1

Answer 32

resistance quickly crushed. successfully used violent means to keep control over empire and maintain autocracy. some resistance not violence, suggesting maintained principle of autocracy by preserving orthodoxy.

Question 33

to what extent did nii uphold his pledge to maintain the principle of autocracy in the years 1894-1914? counter

Answer 33

new democratic reforms with october manifesto and introduction of new legislative body, duma

Question 34

to what extent did nii uphold his pledge to maintain the principle of autocracy in the years 1894-1914? factor 3

Answer 34

fundamental laws- placed restrictions on duma which allowed him to maintain strangehold over autocratic power

Question 35

the weaknesses of the provisional government enabled the bolsheviks to seize power in 1917. agree/disagree LOA

Answer 35

idk

Question 36

the workers experienced the most hardship between 1861 and 1914 validity LOA

Answer 36

valid to some extent. at beginning of period not fully formed as social group, and peasants and nobles suffered after emancipation. but as industrialisation began under aiii and nii the expanded workforce suffered greatly in urban areas- so arguably experienced more hardship at this point but only after. peasants and nobility suffered after too. 1) workers 2) peasants 3) nobility

Question 37

the workers experienced the most hardship between 1861 and 1914 factor 1

Answer 37

low wages, long working hours, disease, bad accomodation

Question 38

the workers experienced the most hardship between 1861 and 1914 factor 2

Answer 38

peasants cheated by emancipation, power of mir restricted them, famines, forced grain exportation under aiii and nii

Question 39

the workers experienced the most hardship between 1861 and 1914 factor 3

Answer 39

nobility lost property after emancipation, reduction in influence, but retained influence in cities, professions, land bank

Question 40

backwardness in industry severly weakened the russian economy between 1861-1914. agree/disagree LOA

Answer 40

disagree to some extent. not backwardness in industry, but underlying socio-political backwardness. peasants still tied to land, preventing modernisation and therefore hindering agricultural and industrial growth. fixed social estates controlled by autocracy hindered development of free working force, stopping transition from agrarian to industrial economy. 1) counter- industrial backwardness 2) backwardness in agriculture 3) backwardness in industry and agriculture underpinned by socio-political backwardness

Question 41

backwardness in industry severly weakened the russian economy between 1861-1914. factor 1

Answer 41

remained country of limited industrial development. continued to fall further behind other leading powers.

Question 42

backwardness in industry severly weakened the russian economy between 1861-1914. factor 2

Answer 42

however advances mean this wasnt as significant

Question 43

backwardness in industry severly weakened the russian economy between 1861-1914. factor 3

Answer 43

prioritisation of maintenance and autocracy hindered peasant movement and modernisation

Question 44

russias society was radically transformed in the period 1860-1894 validity LOA

Answer 44

valid to some extent. 'significantly transformed' but not radically. peasants largely same. nobility transformed in terms of role. workers developed in critical way, but by 1894 wasnt a radical change. 1) nobility 2) peasants 3) workers

Question 45

russian society was radically transformed in the period 1860-1894 factor 1

Answer 45

role was radically transformed as lost land, serfs, status etc.

Question 46

russias society was radically transformed in the period 1860-1894 factor 2

Answer 46

poverty and place in society remained same so not radically transformed.

Question 47

russias society was radically transformed in the period 1860-1894 factor 3

Answer 47

workers significantly changed as rapidly expanded and formed new social class. but remained in poverty and its politicisation was still in its infancy in 1894.

Question 48

the pressure of war was the main cause of revolution between 1905 and 1917 agree/disagree LOA

Answer 48

disagree to some extent. not pressure of ww1 but failure to grant political reform after 1905 revolution 1) counter- ww1 did expose nii's weaknesses and is a final catalyst, but not ultimate cause 2) failure to deliver political reforms/reversals of oct man 3) alienation of peasantry

Question 49

the pressure of war was the main cause of revolution between 1905 and 1917 factor 1

Answer 49

idk

Question 50

the pressure of war was the main cause of revolution between 1905 and 1917 factor 2

Answer 50

idk

Question 51

the pressure of war was the main cause of revolution between 1905 and 1917 factor 3

Answer 51

failure of social and economic reform to appease peasants

Question 52

in the years 1894-1914 opposition movements achieved little. agree/disagree LOA

Answer 52

disagree. while both violent and peaceful methods brought only limited reforms, and growing popular support was tempered by circumstances, there were many achievements. 1) violent methods 2) counter 3) peaceful methods

Question 53

in the years 1894-1914 opposition movements achieved little. agree/disagree factor 1

Answer 53

expression of violent long-term discontent around 1905 revolution, as well as campaign of terror mounted by SRs, ultimately ended russo-japanese war

Question 54

in the years 1894-1914 opposition movements achieved little. agree/disagree counter

Answer 54

idk

Question 55

in the years 1894-1914 opposition movements achieved little. agree/disagree factor 3

Answer 55

mass popular pressure which forced niii into the creation of duma was significant. concession of civil liberties. 1905 revolution. 3rd and 4th dumas achieved significantly, with program of liberal reforms successful.

Question 56

the russian economy made great progress between 1861-1914. agree/disagree LOA

Answer 56

disagree to some extent. economy did make sufficient progress under ai and aiii in agriculture and industry, and this was accelerated under witte and nii, but the remaining structural weaknesses in economy in 1914 suggest it wasnt great progress. consumer goods and light industry neglected, agriculture old-fashioned, wage levels too low. sufficient to transform russia into an economic/industrial powerhouse, but not described as great. 1) agriculture 2) counter- some progress 3) workforce

Question 57

the russian economy made great progress between 1861-1914. agree/disagree factor 1

Answer 57

russian agriculture remained underdeveloped and outdated. stolypin's reforms took too long to implement and were incomplete by 1914.

Question 58

the russian economy made great progress between 1861-1914. agree/disagree factor 2

Answer 58

russian industry made 'sufficient' progress under aii and aiii, and 'great' progress under nii. but structural weaknesses remained in early 20th century.

Question 59

the russian economy made great progress between 1861-1914. agree/disagree factor 3

Answer 59

workforce expanded sufficiently to meet requirements of industrialisation. but poor working/living conditions didn't allow for greater reinvestment into the economy from this new class.

Question 60

to what extent did lenin fulfill the revolutionary aims of early russian marxists during his years as leader of russia?

Answer 60

idk

Question 61

lenin's greatest contribution to revolution in russia between 1894 and 1917 was as a revolutionary theorist rather than the man who pushed the bolsheviks to seize power. validity. LOA

Answer 61

invalid to some extent. revolutionary theory important however arguably made greater contributions to revolution as a leader of it, and most importantly as an opportunist, who took advantage of pg's weaknesses to advance bolshevik agenda 1) most important- opportunist 2) counter- contribution to revol theory more important LOL idk.

Question 62

how important was ideology in the development of the bolshevik state between 1917 and 1929? LOA

Answer 62

largely unimportant. primarily developed out of necessity, with bolshevik actions leading to a state mainly driven by pragmatism in 1929, and a realisation of the ultimate aim of preserving socialism and bolshevik control 'at home' 1) necessity- ideological compromise 2) counter 3) use of terror- sense of necessity. seperate from marxist/bolshevik rhetoric before revolution.

Question 63

how important was ideology in the development of the bolshevik state between 1917 and 1929? factor 1

Answer 63

economic development of ussr under lenin driven mostly out of necessity, due to a severe shortage of goods and foods in urban areas. underpinned the extremism of war communism and esp concessions of the NEP lenin's retreat to 'socialism in one country' can be seen as a key ideological compromise driven by the immediate necessity of the impending russian defeat to the germans, and the social/domestic pressure applied on the state by severe shortages.

Question 64

how important was ideology in the development of the bolshevik state between 1917 and 1929? counter

Answer 64

idk

Question 65

how important was ideology in the development of the bolshevik state between 1917 and 1929? factor 3

Answer 65

bolsheviks targeted use of terror and coercion- sense of necessity driving states development. red terror and civil war. seperate from most marxist and bolshevik rhetoric before revolution.

Question 66

to what extent was the political authority exercised by lenin and stalin similar? LOA

Answer 66

similar to a some extent but not consistent. similar as both leaders relied on terror to maintain political authority. although they both imposed centralisation and relied on forms of propoganda to maintain political authority, stalin was more arbitrary and extreme in his reliance on terror and cult of personality, as wasnt as naturaly popular. 1) use of terror by both/ cult of personality 2) differing extents of methods 3) centralised control

Question 67

to what extent was the political authority exercised by lenin and stalin similar factor 1

Answer 67

both used terror to remove opposition and enforce policies. lenin's party purge 1921, use of show trials, labour camps/'dekulakisation' both used propoganda and cult of personality to enforce political authority. lenin's cult after 1918. embalmed after death, brain cut into 30k segments. stalin's cult increased after GPW victory, 70th bday celebrations.

Question 68

to what extent was the political authority exercised by lenin and stalin similar counter

Answer 68

extents different. stalin more arbitrary and extreme in reliance on terror and cult of personality, as wasn't as naturally popular with people as lenin was.

Question 69

to what extent was the political authority exercised by lenin and stalin similar factor 3

Answer 69

both enforced centralised control to maintain PA. sole leaders of party, ban on factions 1921, politburo>sovnarkom, central committee

Question 70

how successful were soviet leaders at creating a socialist economy in the years 1917-41? LOA

Answer 70

mostly successful. attempted to integrate aspects of socialism into economy, so by 1941 more socialist in nature than 1917. although economic and political necessity limited transformation in places and stalin more successful than lenin, ultimately by 1941 mostly socialist economy in place. 1) collective ownership 2) counter- bolshevik failures 3) socialist centrally planned economy

Question 70

how successful were soviet leaders at creating a socialist economy in the years 1917-41? LOA

Answer 70

mostly successful. attempted to integrate aspects of socialism into economy, so by 1941 more socialist in nature than 1917. although economic and political necessity limited transformation in places and stalin more successful than lenin, ultimately by 1941 mostly socialist economy in place. 1) collective ownership 2) counter- bolshevik failures 3) socialist centrally planned economy

Question 71

how successful were soviet leaders at creating a socialist economy in the years 1917-41? factor 1

Answer 71

a system of collective ownership was created. dekulakisation reduced no. of wealthy peasant landholdings. in 1917 they owned 90% of sterile land. stalin deported 1.8 million in 1930-31, ends NEP in 1928 and collectivisation leads to 90% of farms collectivised by 1941.

Question 72

how successful were soviet leaders at creating a socialist economy in the years 1917-41? counter

Answer 72

bolsheviks failed at creating maximum social welfare for workers/proletariat. neglected workers rights, despite urbanisation. strict factory rules, production targets, poor living conditions, absenteeism punished by 6 months labour force at 75% pay.

Question 73

how successful were soviet leaders at creating a socialist economy in the years 1917-41? factor 3

Answer 73

socialist centrally planned economy created as tsarist russia's capitalist system of private land dismantled and gosplan created. banks nationalised immediately, heavy industries nationalised, five year plans showed clear example of central planning.

Question 74

how successful were soviet leaders in crushing opposition in the years 1917-41?

Answer 74

both highly successful. 1) crushing internal party opposition 2) counter- some successful opposition 3) crusing external political opposition and percieved oppositions against society

Question 75

how successful were soviet leaders in crushing opposition in the years 1917-41? factor one

Answer 75

lenin ban on factions stalin purges overal party opposition restricted to isolated cases

Question 76

how successful were soviet leaders in crushing opposition in the years 1917-41? counter

Answer 76

idk

Question 77

how successful were soviet leaders in crushing opposition in the years 1917-41? factor three

Answer 77

lenin closed CA. stalin purged army. civil war victory. ban on all press. ban on opposition parties. crushed percieved opposition amounts kulaks and bourgeoisie- red terror, ke-kulakization and collectivization

Question 78

khrushchev successfully de-stalinized russia between 1953-64/in the years 1954-64 khrushchev eradicated stalin's legacy. validity.

Answer 78

valid to a large extent. 1) ended cult of personality. 2) ended great terror 3) counter- failures

Question 79

khrushchev successfully de-stalinized russia between 1953-64/in the years 1954-64 khrushchev eradicated stalin's legacy. factor one

Answer 79

one of key pillars of stalinism. validated criticism of soviet leader- secret speech at 20th party congress.

Question 80

khrushchev successfully de-stalinized russia between 1953-64/in the years 1954-64 khrushchev eradicated stalin's legacy. factor two

Answer 80

ended great terror- core pillar of stalinism. and held up his policies- freed 617k polit prisoners in 10 months following secret speech.

Question 81

khrushchev successfully de-stalinized russia between 1953-64/in the years 1954-64 khrushchev eradicated stalin's legacy. counter

Answer 81

mostly failed to re-invigorate economy, improve living standards or improve relations with eastern europe and the west/usa. virgin lands initiative 85 mil acres only 1/6 harvested ripe, cheap new housing prefabricated, cuban missile crisis

Question 82

khrushchev was primarily brought down by cultural dissidents as opposed to any other form of opposition. validity.

Answer 82

invalid to some extent. acted as catalyst to breakdown- demand for political and civic freedom beyong khrushchevs power. but opposition within party primary reason- couldnt control divide between hardliners and reformers, took advantage of his lenience in dealing w opposition. 1) counter- cultural dissidents important 2) opposition within party 3) external opposition

Question 83

khrushchev was primarily brought down by cultural dissidents as opposed to any other form of opposition. validity. counter

Answer 83

they heavily criticized gov through medium of literature and arts. 'tamizdats' published critiques of soviet gov abroad, damaging its reputation and stability. BUT khrushchev able to limit their impact through repression. 1961 130k ppl identified as 'anti-social'

Question 84

khrushchev was primarily brought down by cultural dissidents as opposed to any other form of opposition. validity. factor two

Answer 84

primarily brought down by opposition within party. too lenient, demoting anti-party group only for them to resurface in 1964 and vote to remove him. hardliners who hated his eradication of stalinism brought him down. unable to control divide between hardliners and reformists.

Question 85

khrushchev was primarily brought down by cultural dissidents as opposed to any other form of opposition. validity. factor three

Answer 85

put pressure on him to reform further. 500k involved in riots and disorder from 1953-64 across russia. hungarian uprising 1956- BUT able to deal with external opposition through coercion. it was party's blaming of him for these problems which triggered his downfall.

Question 86

to what extent did conditions of living for ordinary people in the soviet union improve in the years 1941-64?

Answer 86

improved to some extent. fell short compared to west but overall khrushchev attempted to improve workers rights, new housing programs introduced and cultural thaw. although some groups remained poor under stalinist era, khrushchev did make some improvements. 1) living and working conditions under khrushchev. 2) counter- stalin failures. 3) k decrease reliance on terror. also relaxed censorship.

Question 87

to what extent did conditions of living for ordinary people in the soviet union improve in the years 1941-64? factor one

Answer 87

khrushchev recognized importance of peasants and agriculture. initially no improvement under stalin, but improvement under khrushchev.

Question 88

to what extent did conditions of living for ordinary people in the soviet union improve in the years 1941-64? counter

Answer 88

blah

Question 89

to what extent did conditions of living for ordinary people in the soviet union improve in the years 1941-64? factor three

Answer 89

although culture was targeted by khrushchev and stalin there was improvements by 1964 as de-stalinization meant people no longer had to live under censorship. relative improvement. following continuation of terror after war, khrushchev managed to decrease reliance on terror by 1964, allowing greater freedom to improve conditions of living.

Question 90

after the war stalin consolidated his rigid system. under khrushchev there was real change. assess the validity of this view.

Answer 90

valid to a large degree. there was signif change in terms of use of terror, industrial expansion and cult of personality- all of which decreased under khrushchev. not a revolution but was real change as stalin's legacy significantly eradicated. 1) stalin- cult of personality and terror. real change by khrush. 2) khrushchev transformed soviet economy. 3) counter

Question 91

after the war stalin consolidated his rigid system. under khrushchev there was real change. factor one

Answer 91

stalin consolidated rigid system after war through growth of cult of personality. reversed by khrush through attacks on stalin's legacy- real change. stalin continued to rely heavily on use of terror, increased after war. khrush exposed extent of stalins terror and reduced reliance on terror to subdue opposition- real change.

Question 92

after the war stalin consolidated his rigid system. under khrushchev there was real change. factor two

Answer 92

khrush transformed soviet economy and living conditions. greater emphasis on consumer goods. new housing. completely ignored by stalin- real change.

Question 93

after the war stalin consolidated his rigid system. under khrushchev there was real change. counter

Answer 93

idk

Question 94

the russian economy was transformed in the years 1945-64. validity.

Answer 94

invalid to some extent. improved as more focus on ag