Identifications

Question 1

February Revolution 1917

Answer 1

The February Revolution was when Russians overthrew Tsar Nicholas II and replaced him with a temporary government. This was a key moment in ending Russia’s monarchy and starting the road to the Bolshevik takeover.

Question 2

1905 Revolution in Russia

Answer 2

The 1905 Revolution was a series of protests and strikes in Russia caused by people’s anger at the Tsar’s rule and poor living conditions. It’s important because it showed the Tsar’s weakness and set the stage for future revolutions.

Question 3

Vladimir Lenin

Answer 3

Vladimir Lenin was the leader of the Bolsheviks who took over Russia in the October Revolution. He is important because he created the Soviet Union and spread communist ideas.

Question 4

Joseph Stalin

Answer 4

Joseph Stalin was a Soviet leader who industrialised the USSR and ruled through fear and strict policies. He’s significant because he made the USSR a global superpower but caused suffering through purges and famines.

Question 5

Holodomor

Answer 5

The Holodomor was a man-made famine in Ukraine during 1932–33 under Stalin’s rule, killing millions. It matters because it’s seen as a genocide and is a major part of Ukrainian history and identity.

Question 6

Collectivization

Answer 6

Collectivization was Stalin’s policy of forcing farmers to join large, state-run farms to improve production. It’s significant because it caused famine and resistance, especially in Ukraine.

Question 7

Reichstag Fire

Answer 7

The Reichstag Fire was an arson attack on Germany’s parliament building in 1933, which the Nazis blamed on communists. It’s important because Hitler used it to eliminate opposition and gain total control.

Question 8

November Pogrom

Answer 8

The November Pogrom, also called Kristallnacht, was a Nazi-led attack on Jewish people and property in 1938. It’s significant because it marked the start of violent, large-scale persecution of Jews.

Question 9

Nuremberg Laws

Answer 9

The Nuremberg Laws were racist laws passed by Nazi Germany in 1935 that stripped Jews of their rights and citizenship. They were important because they laid the foundation for the Holocaust.

Question 10

Warsaw Pact

Answer 10

The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance of communist countries led by the USSR, created to counter NATO. It mattered because it symbolised the division between the East and West during the Cold War.

Question 11

NATO

Answer 11

NATO is a military alliance formed in 1949 by Western countries to defend against threats, especially from the Soviet Union. It’s significant because it played a key role in Cold War politics and still affects global security today.

Question 12

Chernobyl disaster

Answer 12

The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear accident in Soviet Ukraine in 1986 that caused massive radioactive contamination. It’s important because it exposed the dangers of nuclear power and the USSR’s lack of transparency.

Question 13

Perestroika

Answer 13

Perestroika was Mikhail Gorbachev’s policy of reforming the Soviet economy to include some market elements. It’s significant because it weakened the Soviet system and led to the USSR’s collapse.

Question 14

Arm Race

Answer 14

The Arms Race was a Cold War competition between the US and USSR to build the most powerful weapons. It’s important because it increased global tensions and the risk of nuclear war.

Question 15

Mikhail Gorbachev

Answer 15

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, known for his efforts to reform the country and improve relations with the West. He’s significant because his policies led to the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union.

Question 16

Four conditions for democratic transition

Answer 16

These conditions include having fair elections, respecting the law, protecting rights, and involving citizens in politics. They’re important because they create the foundation for a stable democracy.

Question 17

Lustration

Answer 17

Lustration is the process of removing former authoritarian leaders or collaborators from government positions. It’s significant because it helps rebuild trust in a new democracy.

Question 18

Oligarchy

Answer 18

Oligarchy is when a small group of rich or powerful people control the government. It’s important because it often leads to corruption and inequality.

Question 19

Ethnic conflict

Answer 19

Ethnic conflict happens when different ethnic groups clash, sometimes violently, over politics, land, or resources. It’s significant because it can lead to civil wars and lasting divisions.

Question 20

Srebrenica massacre

Answer 20

The Srebrenica massacre was the killing of over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys during the Bosnian War in 1995. It’s significant because it was one of the worst genocides in Europe since World War II.

Question 21

European Coal and Steel Community

Answer 21

This was an organisation created in 1951 to manage coal and steel industries to prevent future wars. It’s significant because it was the first step toward forming the European Union.

Question 22

Commonwealth of Independent States

Answer 22

The CIS is a group of former Soviet republics that work together on political and economic issues. It’s important because it helped manage the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Question 23

European Council

Answer 23

The European Council is made up of EU leaders who set goals and priorities for the Union. It’s significant because it influences major decisions in Europe.

Question 24

Council of the European Union

Answer 24

This Council is where EU countries’ governments discuss and pass laws together. It’s important because it plays a big role in EU policymaking.

Question 25

Council of Europe

Answer 25

The Council of Europe is an organisation focused on promoting human rights and democracy across Europe. It’s significant because it includes more countries than the EU and supports shared values.

Question 26

Copenhagen Criteria

Answer 26

The Copenhagen Criteria are the rules a country must follow to join the EU, like respecting democracy and having a strong economy. They’re important because they ensure new members fit into the Union’s standards.

Question 27

Supranationalism of the E.U.

Answer 27

Supranationalism is when EU member countries give up some control to EU institutions to work together. It’s significant because it helps the EU make decisions as a group but raises concerns about national independence.

Question 28

Eurasian Economic Union

Answer 28

The EAEU is a group of former Soviet countries working together on trade and economic policies. It’s important because it strengthens ties between these countries and challenges Western alliances like the EU.

Question 29

Vladimir Putin

Answer 29

Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia, known for his strict control over the country and aggressive foreign policies. He’s significant because he’s shaped Russia’s role in the world, especially its conflicts with Ukraine.

Question 30

The Great Game

Answer 30

The Great Game was the 19th-century struggle between Britain and Russia for control of Central Asia. It’s significant because it influenced borders and politics in the region, which still matter today.

Question 31

Euromaidan

Answer 31

Euromaidan was a series of protests in Ukraine from 2013 to 2014, demanding closer ties with the EU and rejecting Russian influence. It’s significant because it led to political change in Ukraine and increased tensions with Russia.

Question 32

Vladimir Zelensky

Answer 32

Vladimir Zelensky is the President of Ukraine, a former actor who became a leader during Russia’s 2022 invasion. He’s important for his strong leadership and efforts to bring Ukraine closer to the EU and NATO.