Nationalities

Question 1

Describe the impact of the Milyutin Plan on Polish serfs in 1864.

Answer 1

The Milyutin Plan emancipated Polish serfs on more favorable terms than their Russian counterparts; exile of Polish nobles to Siberia and the seizure of their land, while also establishing rural district councils.

Question 2

Explain the role of nationalist movements in the context of the Russian Empire.

Answer 2

Nationalist movements often arose in response to changes in the central government, with various minority groups seeking independence, which was typically met with force or concessions by the ruling authorities.

Question 3

Define the term ‘Russification’ in the context of the Russian Empire.

Answer 3

Russification refers to the policies aimed at increasing Russian influence and promoting Russian culture among the diverse nationalities within the Empire, often leading to resistance from minority groups.

Question 4

How did the outcomes of wars and revolutions affect the size of the Russian Empire?

Answer 4

Wars and revolutions often resulted in the shrinkage of the Empire, as territories were lost or gained based on the outcomes of conflicts.

Question 5

Discuss the treatment of Jewish people within the Russian Empire.

Answer 5

Russian Jews faced significant persecution, were largely confined to the Pale of Settlement, and did not achieve the same freedoms as other minority groups, often being subject to violent programs.

Question 6

What was the significance of the Polish Revolt in 1863?

Answer 6

The Polish Revolt highlighted the tensions between Polish nationalists and the Russian government, as reforms by Alexander II gave hope to nationalists, but the rejection of demands led to rebellion, which was ultimately suppressed.

Question 7

Explain the changes in Russo-Polish relations following World War I.

Answer 7

After World War I, Russia lost jurisdiction over Warsaw and Vilna, leading to Poland’s independence from Russian rule.

Question 8

Describe the implications of the Nazi-Soviet Pact for Poland.

Answer 8

The Nazi-Soviet Pact allowed Germany to invade Poland, determining its fate and leading to significant geopolitical changes in the region.

Question 9

How did the Yalta Conference affect Poland’s governance post-World War II?

Answer 9

At the Yalta Conference, it was agreed that a new Russo-Polish border would be established along the Curzon Line, and Poland would be governed by a Soviet-backed regime.

Question 10

What changes occurred in Poland’s government structure in 1952?

Answer 10

In 1952, a Soviet-style constitution was imposed, renaming Poland the People’s Republic of Poland and establishing a government dominated by the Polish Workers’ Party under heavy Soviet influence.

Question 11

Identify the main minority groups within the Russian Empire.

Answer 11

The main minority groups included Poles, Finns, Caucasians, Central Asians, and Baltic Provinces, with Russian Jews also being a significant minority.

Question 12

Discuss the varying success of nationalist movements in the Russian Empire.

Answer 12

The success of nationalist movements varied by time and place, with some groups achieving independence while others faced repression and continued control by the Russian government.

Question 13

What was the outcome of the Russo-Polish War in 1920?

Answer 13

The outcome of the Russo-Polish War in 1920 was the signing of an armistice that confirmed Polish independence and established jurisdiction over Western Ukraine and Western Belorussia.

Question 14

Explain the significance of the Potsdam Conference for Poland’s borders.

Answer 14

The Potsdam Conference addressed Poland’s western border, establishing it along the Oder-Neisse Line, which was implemented by the Soviet government.

Question 15

Describe the events in Poland that led to the release of Gomulka from prison.

Answer 15

Calls for Stalinist politicians to stand down after a secret speech were supported by workers through strike action, leading to Gomulka’s release and a general easing of control.

Question 16

Explain the process of Russification in the USSR.

Answer 16

Russification involved the administrative integration of non-Russian regions into the Empire/USSR, imposing the Russian language, education system, religion, and culture, and was carried out through repression and constitutional changes.

Question 17

Define the status of Finland before 1894.

Answer 17

Before 1894, the tsars had a liberal stance towards Finland, which had a separate parliament and constitution established by 1865.

Question 18

How did the 1905 events affect Finland’s autonomy?

Answer 18

In 1905, Finland was granted full autonomy, but this was quickly reversed by Stolypin.

Question 19

What was the outcome of the Winter War for Finland?

Answer 19

The Winter War from Nov 1939 to March 1940 was an unsuccessful attempt by the USSR to regain influence over Finland.

Question 20

Describe the composition and influence of the Baltic Provinces.

Answer 20

The Baltic Provinces consisted of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, influenced by old German rulers, with Russian migration and economic influence present.

Question 21

Explain the impact of the 1936 Constitution on the Baltic Provinces.

Answer 21

The 1936 Constitution incorporated the Baltic Provinces into a new federal system of Russian government.

Question 22

What was the treatment of Ukrainians under the tsars?

Answer 22

Ukrainians faced similar treatment to Poles, with restrictions such as the prohibition of publication/import of books in Ukrainian under A2.

Question 23

How did the 1936 Constitution theoretically improve the position of Ukrainians?

Answer 23

The 1936 Constitution theoretically improved the position of Ukrainians, but accusations of German collaboration during WW2 undermined this.

Question 24

Describe the religious divisions in the Caucasus and their impact on Russification.

Answer 24

The Caucasus was divided along religious lines (Christians and Muslims), and high illiteracy rates made the process of Russification easier.

Question 25

What was the fate of Georgia during the early 20th century?

Answer 25

Georgia gained independence in 1902 but was retaken by the Red Army in 1921.

Question 26

How did Stalin deal with Georgian dissidents?

Answer 26

Stalin ruthlessly dealt with Georgian dissidents during his role as Commissar for Nationalities but later made concessions in the 1936 Constitution by making Georgia a full republic.

Question 27

What was the situation of Jewish people in Russia during the reign of A2?

Answer 27

A2 established the Pale of Settlement for Jews, allowed migration to other regions, but A3 later clamped down on their rights, leading to repression from 1881 to 1914.

Question 28

Explain the attitude of Communists towards Jewish people in the 1930s.

Answer 28

Communists were suspicious of Jews, leading to the establishment of special settlements in the 1930s and bans on aspects of Jewish culture during WW2.

Question 29

What significant political change occurred in 1918 regarding the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR)?

Answer 29

In 1918, a constitution was created for the RSFSR.

Question 30

Describe the impact of World War I on Russia's territorial integrity.

Answer 30

Russia had to concede valuable land, losing territories such as Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Georgia, and Finland, which resulted in the loss of 1/3 of its agricultural land, 1/3 of its railways, 1/3 of its population, 2/3 of its coal mines, and half of its heavy industry.

Question 31

Explain the significance of the 1924 constitution in the USSR.

Answer 31

The 1924 constitution created the USSR and allowed republics like Ukraine, Belorussia, and Transcaucasia to have their own governments, although they were still answerable to the Sovnarkom.

Question 32

How did the 1936 Stalin Constitution differ from the 1924 constitution?

Answer 32

The 1936 Stalin Constitution added Kirghizia and Tajikistan and appeared to allow greater representation of separate nation states in a centralized government, although it still maintained very tight control.

Question 33

Define the consequences of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk for Russia.

Answer 33

The Treaty exacerbated food shortages, led to the departure of Bukharin and left SRs, and allowed the Bolsheviks to implement repressive policies after the burden of war was lifted.

Question 34

What were the policies implemented by the Tsars regarding land settlement in Central Asia?

Answer 34

The Steppe Statute of 1891 granted 40 acres of land to peasant settlers, and Stolypin in 1910 pushed for greater migration due to increasing peasant demands for land.

Question 35

Explain the approach of the communists towards Islam in Central Asia.

Answer 35

The communists guaranteed the protection of rights for Islam and condemned the repression faced under the Tsars, allowing for a more respectful recognition of the religion.

Question 36

Describe the Virgin Lands scheme and its relevance to Central Asia.

Answer 36

The Virgin Lands scheme involved Khrushchev's engagement in Central Asian affairs, aiming to increase agricultural production and settle more people in the region.

Question 37

How did the Bolsheviks respond to the challenges faced after World War I?

Answer 37

Once the burden of war was lifted, the Bolsheviks began to implement policies using repression to maintain control and address the crises that arose.

Question 38

What was the role of Central Asia in the Soviet Empire by the start of World War II?

Answer 38

By the start of World War II, Russia had significant influence in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, which were valued parts of the USSR but allowed to maintain their national identities.

Question 39

Discuss the methods used by Tsars and communists in Central Asia.

Answer 39

Tsars employed forceful methods for control, while communists used peaceful political methods, although both aimed to provide living and working space for large numbers of peasants.

Question 40

What was the significance of the conscription revolt in Central Asia during World War I?

Answer 40

The conscription revolt, which occurred during Ramadan, highlighted the sensitivity of Central Asians to Russian involvement and their resistance to being conscripted for combat.

Question 41

Explain the deportation zones established during World War II in the USSR.

Answer 41

Deportation zones were used as dumping grounds for punished individuals, such as those accused of German collaboration, but later allowed many deported groups to return to their homelands under Khrushchev's policies.

Question 42

Describe the Russian influence in the Far East during the late 19th century.

Answer 42

Russian influence in the Far East was largely governed by developments in transport and communications, with travel from Moscow to Sakhalin taking months by the end of the 19th century.

Question 43

Explain the impact of the Russo-Japanese War on Russian involvement in the Far East.

Answer 43

Post Russo-Japanese War, Russian involvement in the Far East was influenced by war and conflict, such as World War I, the 1917 Revolution, and the Civil War, which distracted from expansion efforts until interest picked up again post-1922.

Question 44

Define the significance of the Amur basin for the Tsars.

Answer 44

The Tsars were interested in the Amur basin for military purposes, particularly in securing the region in 1860 and the need for Port Arthur.

Question 45

How did the Chinese government interact with the USSR between 1917 and 1937?

Answer 45

From 1917 to 1937, the Chinese government, dominated by the KMT, accepted support from Lenin and Stalin, although it was not wholly supportive of communism.

Question 46

Explain the KMT's actions against communists post-1925.

Answer 46

After 1925, the KMT ordered the extermination of communists, trade unionists, and peasant leaders, with further purges occurring in 1930 and 1934, leading to infighting between the KMT and CCP.

Question 47

What role did the USSR play during the Chinese-Japanese conflict in 1937?

Answer 47

The USSR continued to support the KMT and aided them in fighting against Japanese advances during the Chinese-Japanese conflict in 1937.

Question 48

Describe the control of Manchuria from 1905 to 1945.

Answer 48

Manchuria was under Japanese influence from 1905 to 1931, occupied by Japan from 1931 to 1945, and was liberated by Soviet troops in 1945, who then handed control to China.

Question 49

How did Korea's status change after World War II?

Answer 49

After World War II, Korea was split into two zones: the North came under Russian control and the South under American control.

Question 50

Explain the consequences of disputes over Korean reunification.

Answer 50

Disputes over possible reunification led to war between North and South Korea, which was resolved by establishing a clear dividing line.

Question 51

What was the Soviet Union's role in the Korean conflict?

Answer 51

The Soviets played no direct role in the Korean conflict, but President Truman blamed them for influencing the initial invasion of the South by the North.

Question 52

Describe the situation in Sinkiang from 1921 to 1949.

Answer 52

Sinkiang was under Soviet influence and partial occupation from 1921 to 1949, after which it was returned to China following the formation of the People's Republic of China.

Question 53

What happened to Tanu Tuva in 1944?

Answer 53

Tanu Tuva, which became a Russian protectorate in 1914 and gained independence in 1921, was annexed to the USSR in 1944.

Question 54

Explain Mongolia's status during the mid-20th century.

Answer 54

Mongolia was autonomous in 1911, occupied by Soviet forces in 1945, and became independent in 1946, although it maintained strong Soviet influence.

Question 55

What were Stalin's motives for expanding communist influence in Europe after World War II?

Answer 55

Stalin's motives were considered expansionist, aimed at protecting Russian interests by creating a buffer zone with the West and interfering with governments to install pro-Communist regimes.

Question 56

Describe the situation in Hungary regarding free elections and Soviet influence.

Answer 56

In Hungary, free elections were held, but they were paired with threats of force and imprisonment if the Soviet line was challenged.

Question 57

What was the outcome of the elections in Yugoslavia in 1945?

Answer 57

In 1945, elections in Yugoslavia resulted in the installation of a Communist government under Marshall Tito, who sought to consolidate autonomy and resisted Soviet interference.

Question 58

Describe the stance of Tito regarding Soviet control in Yugoslavia.

Answer 58

Tito objected to over-centralisation and introduced a new branch of Communism, maintaining independence from direct Soviet control until his death in 1980.

Question 59

Explain the political situation in Czechoslovakia after World War II.

Answer 59

Czechoslovakia was a multinational state with a government modeled on Western liberal democracy. In 1946, free elections were held, leading to a coalition government, but in 1948, the Communists seized power, resulting in rigged elections.

Question 60

How did Hungary's foreign policy aim to address its territorial losses after World War I?

Answer 60

Hungary's main foreign policy aim was to regain the territory lost to its neighbors after World War I, as confirmed by the Treaty of Trianon.

Question 61

Define the outcome of the 1948 elections in Czechoslovakia.

Answer 61

The 1948 elections in Czechoslovakia were rigged, resulting in a government composed entirely of Communist candidates after the non-Communists resigned.

Question 62

What was the significance of the Secret Speech in Hungary?

Answer 62

The Secret Speech raised hopes for positive change in Hungary, but the slow pace of reform led to the uprising in October 1956, which was suppressed by 30,000 Soviet troops.

Question 63

Explain the impact of Stalin's 1946 statement on Germany.

Answer 63

Stalin's 1946 statement declaring that Germany should belong to Russia undermined the Yalta Agreement, contributing to tensions and the eventual creation of East Germany in 1949.

Question 64

Describe the political changes in Romania after World War II.

Answer 64

After the expulsion of Nazis, Romania saw a coalition government dominated by communists, with the USSR forcing the king to appoint a communist Prime Minister, leading to the abolition of the monarchy in 1947.

Question 65

How did Bulgaria's political landscape change after World War II?

Answer 65

Bulgaria experienced a rigged election in 1945, resulting in a communist majority, followed by the execution of other political leaders and the abolition of the monarchy in 1946.

Question 66

What characterized the rise of communism in Albania?

Answer 66

Communists gained power in Albania with little opposition, establishing a communist regime easily.

Question 67

Identify the unique position of Greece in the context of communism in the Balkans.

Answer 67

Greece was the only Balkan state that successfully defeated the Communists, maintaining its independence from communist influence.

Question 68

What was the outcome of the Hungarian uprising in October 1956?

Answer 68

The Hungarian uprising in October 1956 was dealt with by 30,000 Soviet troops, demonstrating the Soviet Union's unwillingness to lessen its involvement in Eastern Europe.

Question 69

How did Tito's policies differ from those of the Soviet Union?

Answer 69

Tito's policies emphasized independence from Soviet control and the establishment of a unique form of Communism, contrasting with the centralized control favored by the Soviet Union.

Question 70

What led to the expulsion of communists in Hungary after World War II?

Answer 70

Hungarian communists, not all pro-Stalin, protested against the regime, leading to a mass expulsion of members after the establishment of a majority-Communist cabinet.

Question 71

Summarize the events that led to the creation of East Germany.

Answer 71

The creation of East Germany in October 1949 was a result of the Yalta Agreement's undermining, Stalin's statements, and the integration of economies in the West.