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The Rise of Authoritarian Regimes
Quick questions on Stalin and the Soviet Union explained: O-Level History
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is winning power after Lenin?Show answer
The Soviet Union had been created after the communists (Bolsheviks), led by Lenin, took power in Russia in the revolution of 1917. When Lenin died in 1924, there was a struggle for the leadership. The most famous rival was Leon Trotsky, a brilliant and well-known figure. Stalin, by contrast, held the less glamorous post of General Secretary of the Communist Party, which let him control appointments and place his supporters in key positions.
What is collectivisation of agriculture?Show answer
To feed the growing cities and fund industry, Stalin forced through the collectivisation of farming from 1929. Small peasant farms were merged into large collective farms run by the state. Wealthier peasants, called kulaks, who resisted were arrested, deported or killed. Collectivisation met fierce resistance, and the disruption it caused, combined with the seizure of grain, contributed to a terrible famine in the early 1930s in which millions died, especially in Ukraine.
What is q1?Show answer
What were the Five-Year Plans? [3 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why Stalin forced through the collectivisation of farming. [5 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
"Stalin kept power mainly through terror." How far do you agree? [8 marks]
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