Russia, 1894-1945: Tsardom and communism

AQA

GCSE

This study mandates a rigorous analysis of the transformation of Russia from a traditional Tsarist autocracy to a totalitarian Communist superpower. Candidates must evaluate the erosion of Romanov authority under Nicholas II, the catalyst effect of warfare (Russo-Japanese War, WWI) on political stability, and the dual revolutions of 1917. The scope extends to the consolidation of Bolshevik power under Lenin, the ideological and power struggles ensuing his death, and the radical Stalinist reconstruction of the economy and society. Assessment focuses on the interplay between ideology and pragmatism, the mechanisms of state control, and the extent of change versus continuity in Russian governance through to the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for precise factual knowledge (AO1) regarding key policies: War Communism, NEP, and the Five Year Plans.
Credit responses that demonstrate second-order concepts (AO2), specifically causation and consequence in the collapse of the Provisional Government.
In interpretation questions (AO4), candidates must distinguish between the 'content' of the view and the 'provenance' explaining why the view is held.
High-level responses must evaluate the relative importance of factors (e.g., terror vs. propaganda) rather than simply listing them.

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have described the event accurately; now explain the specific consequences for the Bolshevik hold on power."
"When analysing the interpretation, explicitly link the author's date of writing to their perspective on the Tsar."
"Your judgement is valid, but you must explain why the other factor was less important to achieve top marks."
"Include specific terminology such as 'Kulaks', 'Gulag', or 'Duma' to demonstrate precise knowledge."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for precise factual knowledge (AO1) regarding key policies: War Communism, NEP, and the Five Year Plans.
Credit responses that demonstrate second-order concepts (AO2), specifically causation and consequence in the collapse of the Provisional Government.
In interpretation questions (AO4), candidates must distinguish between the 'content' of the view and the 'provenance' explaining why the view is held.
High-level responses must evaluate the relative importance of factors (e.g., terror vs. propaganda) rather than simply listing them.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡For the 'How do interpretations differ' question, identify the main contrast in the overall message, not just minor details.
💡In the 'Which is more convincing' question, use your own contextual knowledge to support or challenge the claims made in the interpretation.
💡Allocate 15 minutes to the final 12-mark 'bullet point' question; ensure a conclusion reaches a sustained judgement on relative importance.
💡When explaining the rise of Stalin, link his manipulation of the party machine (General Secretary role) directly to the defeat of Trotsky.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the events and consequences of the 1905 Revolution with the February 1917 Revolution.
Failing to distinguish between the Mensheviks and Bolsheviks, or conflating Lenin's policies with Stalin's.
Treating Interpretations as contemporary 'Sources' to be tested for utility, rather than constructed historical views to be evaluated for convincingness.
Describing the 'Red Terror' without specific reference to the Cheka or the context of the Civil War.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Describe

In what ways

Which of the following was the more important

How does Interpretation B differ

Why might the authors

Which interpretation

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic