IB HL History - Paper 3 - Topic 16 - The soviet Union and Russia (1924-2000) - Part 1 - STALIN

What were the years of the Soviet Union's existence?

The Soviet Union existed from 1922 to 1991.

What was the key outcome of the October Revolution in 1917?

The Bolshevik party obtained power.

What was 'War Communism'?

A harsh series of policies implemented by Lenin during the Russian Civil War, which included rationing of food, outlawing strikes, and nationalizing industries.

What was the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

A policy introduced by Lenin in 1921 that allowed for limited private enterprise and aimed to revive the economy after War Communism.

Who were the Reds in the Russian Civil War?

The Bolsheviks and their supporters, who aimed to establish Soviet rule.

What were the weaknesses of the Provisional Government after the February Revolution?

It lacked legitimacy, was not elected by the Russian people, and faced divisions within the government.

What was the role of Joseph Stalin in the Bolshevik Revolution?

Stalin was a key member of the Bolshevik party and helped organize the revolution, later becoming General Secretary of the Communist Party.

What was the significance of the Politburo in the Soviet government?

It was the top party organ that made all important policy decisions.

What was the impact of Stalin's Great Terror?

It led to widespread purges, repression, and the execution or imprisonment of perceived enemies within the Communist Party and society.

What was the goal of Stalin's collectivization policy?

To bring all farmland under state control and increase agricultural production to support rapid industrialization.

What was the policy of 'Socialism in One Country'?

A policy proposed by Stalin that prioritized strengthening the Soviet Union over promoting worldwide communist revolution.

Who were the main opposing factions in the Russian Civil War?

The Reds (Bolsheviks) and the Whites (anti-Bolshevik forces including ex-Tsarists, liberals, and foreign powers).

What did Stalin's Five Year Plans aim to achieve?

Stalin's Five Year Plans aimed for rapid industrialization and increased production in heavy industries.

How did Stalin deal with opposition within the Communist Party?

He used purges, show trials, and the secret police to eliminate rivals and consolidate his power.

What was the result of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

It ended Russia’s involvement in WWI but ceded significant territory to Germany.

What was the significance of Lenin's Testament regarding Stalin?

It criticized Stalin's manners and suggested he be removed from the General Secretary position, but it was not published.

What were the key effects of WWII on the Soviet Union?

The USSR emerged as a superpower, suffered devastating human and material losses, and expanded its control over Eastern Europe.

Which countries formed part of the Eastern Bloc after WWII?

Countries like Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria had communist regimes imposed by the USSR.

What was the main theme of Churchill's Iron Curtain speech?

It described the division of Europe into Western democracies and Eastern Soviet-controlled states.

What was NSC-68?

A U.S. policy document that outlined the strategy for confronting the Soviet Union during the Cold War, emphasizing containment and military buildup.

Who led the Red Army during the Russian Civil War?

Leon Trotsky was the leader responsible for organizing the Red Army.

What was Stalin's cult of personality?

A propaganda campaign that portrayed Stalin as a god-like figure and glorified his leadership.

What were the consequences of the Berlin Blockade?

It intensified Cold War tensions, led to the creation of NATO, and institutionalized divisions between East and West Germany.