GCSE History (Edexcel): Russia and the Soviet Union, 1917–41
This course provides a comprehensive and detailed study of Russia and the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1941, designed specifically for students taking the Pearsons Edexcel GCSE History exam. It covers all four key topics from the specification, from the revolutions of 1917 to Stalin's dictatorship on the eve of the Second World War. By mastering the content in this course, you will build the precise factual knowledge of key people, events, dates, and policies needed to achieve a high grade. The course is structured to help you understand the context and significance of events, which is crucial for answering exam questions effectively. For maximum success, you should use this course alongside practicing exam-style questions, including source analysis and interpretation questions, which are a key part of your GCSE assessment.
Decks in this Course
4 items
GCSE History: The revolutions of 1917
This deck covers the causes, events, and consequences of the 1917 revolutions in Russia. It examines the long-term discontent and the impact of the First World War leading to the February Revolution and the Tsar's abdication. It then explores the failures of the Provisional Government, including the problems of 'Dual Control' and the Kornilov Revolt, before covering the Bolsheviks' rise to power, culminating in the October Revolution, focusing on the roles of Lenin and Trotsky.
GCSE History: The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24
This deck covers the consolidation of Bolshevik rule under Lenin. It details the early decrees, the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly, and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. It then examines the causes, events, and outcome of the Russian Civil War, analysing the reasons for the Red victory. The deck also covers the moves towards a one-party state, including the Red Terror and the Kronstadt Mutiny, and concludes with the economic policies of War Communism and the New Economic Policy (NEP), and early social changes.
GCSE History: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41
This deck covers Joseph Stalin's rise to become the undisputed leader of the USSR and the nature of his dictatorship. It details the power struggle after Lenin's death, the mechanisms of control in the 1930s including the purges and show trials, and the use of propaganda to create the Cult of Stalin.
GCSE History: Economic and social changes, 1924–41
This deck covers the transformation of the Soviet economy and society under Stalin. It examines collectivisation, the Five-Year Plans, and the impact of these changes on daily life for ordinary Soviet citizens, including women and ethnic minorities.
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