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The Stalinist dictatorship and reaction, 1941–1964 (A-level only)

the Soviet Union, 1917–1964 (A-level only): The Stalinist dictatorship and reaction, 1941–1964 (A-level only)

6

Objectives

10

Flashcards

10

Questions

90 min

Study time

AqaA LevelHistory1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964

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6 objective pages available

The Stalinist dictatorship and reaction, 1941–1964 (A-level only)6 objectives
  • Political authority, opposition and the state of Russia in wartime: the political, economic and social impact of war; effect on Stalin, government and 'the people'.
  • Political authority and government to 1953: High Stalinism; the revival of terror; destruction of 'supposed' opposition and cult of personality; the power vacuum on Stalin's death.
  • Political authority and government: Khrushchev’s rise to power; policies and ideology; de- Stalinisation; political and party change.
  • Economic and social developments: changes in industrial organisation from Stalin to Khrushchev; agriculture and the Virgin Lands scheme; social and cultural change from Stalin to Khrushchev.
  • Opposition: cultural dissidents; communist divisions; hardliners and reformers; opponents of Khrushchev and his fall from power.
  • The political, economic and social condition of the Soviet Union by 1964.

Key terms

Great Patriotic WarCentralizationSecret PoliceShow TrialsCollectivizationCult of PersonalityCensorshipHardlinersReformersGreat Purge

Exam tips

  • Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing the impact of the war on Stalin's regime, include specific policies, events, or statistics to support your arguments.
  • Use specific examples: When discussing Stalin's dictatorship, always support your arguments with specific examples from the period, such as key events, policies, or figures.

Common mistakes

  • Overgeneralizing the impact of the war on Stalin's regime: It's important to recognize both the initial boost in support and the later discontent due to economic difficulties.
  • Overgeneralizing Stalin's policies: It's important to specify the context and timeline of policies, noting shifts such as the differences between the Great Purge and the post-war revival of terror.

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