IGCSE History 0470 - Depth Study: Russia, 1905–41

3. Key Themes

This depth study explores the political, social, and economic transformations in Russia between 1905 and 1941. Key themes include the causes and consequences of the 1905 Revolution, the rise of revolutionary movements, the impact of World War I, and the establishment and consolidation of the Soviet regime.

3.1 The 1905 Revolution

The 1905 Revolution was a pivotal event that shook the Tsarist regime. It was sparked by various factors, including economic hardship, political repression, and nationalistic aspirations.

• Causes: Bloody Sunday, economic grievances, desire for political reform (e.g., Duma), national minority issues.
• Events: Strikes, peasant uprisings, mutinies in the army and navy, widespread unrest.
• Consequences: The establishment of the Duma (though with limited power), some concessions to workers (e.g., limited rights), increased political awareness.

3.2 Revolutionary Movements

Following the 1905 Revolution, various revolutionary movements emerged, each with different ideologies and goals.

Movement	Ideology	Goals	Support Base
Socialist Revolutionaries (SRs)	Populist Socialism	Land redistribution, peasant empowerment	Peasants
Social Democrats (SDs)	Marxism (later Leninism)	Proletarian revolution, dictatorship of the proletariat	Industrial workers
Constitutional Democrats (Kadets)	Liberalism	Constitutional monarchy, representative government, individual rights	Bourgeoisie, intellectuals

3.3 World War I

Russia's involvement in World War I had devastating consequences, exacerbating existing social and economic problems and ultimately contributing to the revolution of 1917.

• Impact on the Economy: Shortages of food and supplies, inflation, economic disruption.
• Impact on the Military: Heavy casualties, poor leadership, lack of equipment, declining morale.
• Impact on Society: Widespread discontent, loss of faith in the Tsar, increased social unrest.

3.4 The Russian Revolution of 1917

The February and October Revolutions of 1917 led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of a Bolshevik government.

1. February Revolution: Spontaneous uprising due to food shortages and war weariness, leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
2. Provisional Government: Attempted to establish a liberal democracy but failed to address key issues like land reform and ending the war.
3. October Revolution: Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized power, promising "peace, land, and bread."

3.5 The Soviet Regime (1917-1941)

The Bolsheviks established a one-party state, the Soviet Union, implementing radical social and economic changes.

• Civil War (1917-1922): Struggle between the Bolsheviks (Reds) and their opponents (Whites), resulting in immense destruction and loss of life.
• War Communism: Economic policy implemented during the Civil War, involving state control of industry and agriculture.
• The New Economic Policy (NEP): Introduced in 1921, allowing for some private enterprise and market mechanisms to revive the economy.
• Stalin's Rise to Power: After Lenin's death in 1924, Stalin consolidated power, establishing a totalitarian regime characterized by political repression, purges, and forced collectivization.
• Collectivization: Forced consolidation of individual peasant farms into collective farms, leading to widespread resistance and famine (Holodomor).

3.6 Stalin's Russia

Stalin's rule was marked by extreme political control and social transformation.

• Totalitarianism: State control over all aspects of life, including politics, economy, culture, and education.
• Cult of Personality: Propaganda portraying Stalin as an all-knowing and benevolent leader.
• The Great Purge (1930s): Systematic repression of political opponents and perceived enemies of the state, resulting in widespread arrests, executions, and imprisonment in the Gulag.
• Rapid Industrialization: Five-Year Plans aimed at rapid industrial growth, often at the expense of human lives and living standards.

3.7 Assessment

To assess understanding of this depth study, consider the following questions:

• How effective were the various revolutionary movements in achieving their goals?
• To what extent was World War I responsible for the Russian Revolution of 1917?
• How did the policies of the Soviet regime between 1917 and 1941 transform Russian society?
• Evaluate the extent to which Stalin's rule was a continuation of or a break from the policies of the Bolsheviks.