Study Stalin as dictator, including the succession power struggle, Communist Party control, Terror, Purges, army, secret police, labour camps, censorship, cult of personality and propaganda.

Historical judgement: Part three: Stalin's USSR in AC Russia, 1894-1945: Tsardom and communism (Paper 1 Section A: Period studies) provides the direct anchor for this learning objective. Students focus on Study Stalin as dictator, including the succession power struggle, Communist Party control, Terror, Purges, army, secret police, labour camps, censorship, cult of personality and propaganda. The explanation should use the subtopic wording, the relevant period, named events or individuals where appropriate, and precise historical evidence. It should then separate cause from consequence, change from continuity, and significance from importance while keeping sources, interpretations, evidence and opinion distinct.