2025/26 PEARSON EDEXCEL A LEVEL HISTORY PAPER 1 II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
(9HIO/1E: Russia, 1917-91: from Lenin to Yeltsin)
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were two effects on the Soviet Union following the death of Lenin in 1924? - Answer ✔✔ - -
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
The leadership struggle, following Lenin's death Trotsky, Stalin, Zinoviev, Kamenev and Bukharin
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
all tried very hard to gain leadership of the Soviet Union an eliminate their rivals. Many of the
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
leaders were defeated.
II! II! II!
- There was confusion over how the economy should proceed, should they continue with the NEP or
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
continue with rapid industrialisation?
II! II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Stalin? - Answer ✔✔ - - He was born into the
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
mountainous and lawless kingdom of Georgia in the south of the Russian Empire.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He had a tough childhood and grew up in poverty. His father was an alcoholic and he caught
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
smallpox which left him with scars and he sustained an injury that permanently damaged his left
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
arm.
II!
- He developed a deep hated for the Tsarist system and became a communist revolutionary.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He joined the Bolshevik party in 1903.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He didn't play a glorious role in the October Revolution and the Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was admired by Lenin until 1923, for his humble origins, hard work and organisational
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
abilities.
II!
- He was appointed Commissar for Nationalities and later appointed as General Secretary.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Trotsky? - Answer ✔✔ - - He was born into a
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
wealthy Jewish farming family in Ukraine. He was a talented school and university student.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- In 1905, he took a leading role in a large-scale but unsuccessful uprising against the Tsar.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Until 1917, he had a difficult relationship with Lenin and refused to join the Bolsheviks because he
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
opposed Lenin's ideas of a small, secretive but highly organised political party.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
,- He and Lenin planned the October Revolution.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- In 1918, he became Commissar for the War and created the Red Army and led the Bolsheviks to
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
victory in the Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was highly regarded for his charisma and inspirational speechmaking, however, he was
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
extremely arrogant.
II! II!
- For 3 years from 1923 he suffered attacks of an unknown fever which left him crippled for a long
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
period of time.
II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Kamenev? - Answer ✔✔ - - He had a working
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
class upbringing.
II! II!
- Joined the Bolsheviks in 1903 when it was formed.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Became Lenin's close friend when they were exiled.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Spent time in exile with Stalin.
II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Head of the Moscow Communist Party and acting head of the Soviet Government.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Supports rapid industrialisation and the ending of the NEP.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Opposed plans for the October Revolution.
II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Played little part in the Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Bukharin? - Answer ✔✔ - - Born into a family of
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
teachers.
II!
- Endured arrest, imprisonment and exile as a Bolshevik in Tsarist times DEDICATED
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Helped the Bolsheviks seize power in Moscow during the October Revolution.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was a popular young politician and described by Lenin as 'golden boy'
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was a brilliant thinker and political writer.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Editor of the Party's most important political newspaper.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Supports the NEP and opposes rapid industrialisation.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was seen as too inexperienced for the hard task of ruling the Soviet Union.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- His strong support for the NEP is unpopular amongst the party.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
,- Disagreed with Lenin on the meaning of Marxism.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Zinoviev? - Answer ✔✔ - - Born the son of a
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
prosperous farmer.
II! II!
- Joined the Bolsheviks in 1903.
II! II! II! II! II!
- He fleed Russia and joined Lenin in exile.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Viewed by Lenin as a close friend.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- In favour of rapid industrialisation and the ending of the NEP.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Opposed seizing power in the October Revolution.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Gained a reputation in the Civil War for staying in luxurious hotels, far from fighting.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Not popular - seen as vain and not very talented.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were some of Stalin's advantages? - Answer ✔✔ - - Seen as a Georgian peasant.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Long history as a Bolshevik.
II! II! II! II! II!
- Lenin liked and respected him.
II! II! II! II! II!
- People like the idea of "socialism in one country" no war.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Member of the Politburo so a leading politician.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- As General Secretary has access to many files so can promote his supporters into key positions.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Had a difficult childhood which made him resilient.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were some of Stalin's disadvantages? - Answer ✔✔ - - Lenin's Political Testament called for
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
his removal.
II! II!
- He has a dull personality and isn't a good public speaker or thinker.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He didn't take a leading role in the October Revolution or Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were some of Trotsky's advantages? - Answer ✔✔ - - Took part in the failed 1905 uprising
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
against the Tsar.
II! II! II!
, - Lenin's right hand man from 1917 until his death.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Planned the October Revolution which brought communist rule to Russia.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He created the Red Army which helped to win the Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Popular amongst the Party's younger, more radical members.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- After Lenin is one of the most influential thinkers.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He is a brilliant organiser and inspirational public speaker.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Has important positions in the Party and is in charge of the Red Army.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were some of Trotsky's disadvantages? - Answer ✔✔ - - Only became a Bolshevik in 1917
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
some commitment to the Party is questioned.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Seen as arrogant and doesn't have many supporters.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Some members are anti-Semetic so dislike him as he is Jewish.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Seen as too "Western".
II! II! II! II!
- Often experiences bouts of fever which leave him exhausted.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Doesn't like political tactics and rarely attends Party meetings.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Many oppose his ideas of worldwide revolution as they are against new wars and violence.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Seen as a threat as he is in charge of the Red Army.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were the main features of the *left wing* communists? - Answer ✔✔ - They were radicals
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
who wanted to build communism as quickly as possible. This required the ending of the NEP and
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
beginning rapid industrialisation. Its main figures were Trotsky, Zinoviev and Kamenev.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were the main features of the *right wing* communists? - Answer ✔✔ - They were lead by
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
Bukharin and supported the NEP and the slow industrialisation of Russia. They supported Stalin's
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
ideas of socialism in one country and understood that it would be a long time before Russia became
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
a communist society.
II! II! II!
(9HIO/1E: Russia, 1917-91: from Lenin to Yeltsin)
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were two effects on the Soviet Union following the death of Lenin in 1924? - Answer ✔✔ - -
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
The leadership struggle, following Lenin's death Trotsky, Stalin, Zinoviev, Kamenev and Bukharin
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
all tried very hard to gain leadership of the Soviet Union an eliminate their rivals. Many of the
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
leaders were defeated.
II! II! II!
- There was confusion over how the economy should proceed, should they continue with the NEP or
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
continue with rapid industrialisation?
II! II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Stalin? - Answer ✔✔ - - He was born into the
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
mountainous and lawless kingdom of Georgia in the south of the Russian Empire.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He had a tough childhood and grew up in poverty. His father was an alcoholic and he caught
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
smallpox which left him with scars and he sustained an injury that permanently damaged his left
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
arm.
II!
- He developed a deep hated for the Tsarist system and became a communist revolutionary.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He joined the Bolshevik party in 1903.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He didn't play a glorious role in the October Revolution and the Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was admired by Lenin until 1923, for his humble origins, hard work and organisational
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
abilities.
II!
- He was appointed Commissar for Nationalities and later appointed as General Secretary.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Trotsky? - Answer ✔✔ - - He was born into a
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
wealthy Jewish farming family in Ukraine. He was a talented school and university student.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- In 1905, he took a leading role in a large-scale but unsuccessful uprising against the Tsar.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Until 1917, he had a difficult relationship with Lenin and refused to join the Bolsheviks because he
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
opposed Lenin's ideas of a small, secretive but highly organised political party.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
,- He and Lenin planned the October Revolution.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- In 1918, he became Commissar for the War and created the Red Army and led the Bolsheviks to
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
victory in the Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was highly regarded for his charisma and inspirational speechmaking, however, he was
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
extremely arrogant.
II! II!
- For 3 years from 1923 he suffered attacks of an unknown fever which left him crippled for a long
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
period of time.
II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Kamenev? - Answer ✔✔ - - He had a working
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
class upbringing.
II! II!
- Joined the Bolsheviks in 1903 when it was formed.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Became Lenin's close friend when they were exiled.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Spent time in exile with Stalin.
II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Head of the Moscow Communist Party and acting head of the Soviet Government.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Supports rapid industrialisation and the ending of the NEP.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Opposed plans for the October Revolution.
II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Played little part in the Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Bukharin? - Answer ✔✔ - - Born into a family of
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
teachers.
II!
- Endured arrest, imprisonment and exile as a Bolshevik in Tsarist times DEDICATED
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Helped the Bolsheviks seize power in Moscow during the October Revolution.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was a popular young politician and described by Lenin as 'golden boy'
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was a brilliant thinker and political writer.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Editor of the Party's most important political newspaper.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Supports the NEP and opposes rapid industrialisation.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He was seen as too inexperienced for the hard task of ruling the Soviet Union.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- His strong support for the NEP is unpopular amongst the party.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
,- Disagreed with Lenin on the meaning of Marxism.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What was some key personal information about Zinoviev? - Answer ✔✔ - - Born the son of a
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
prosperous farmer.
II! II!
- Joined the Bolsheviks in 1903.
II! II! II! II! II!
- He fleed Russia and joined Lenin in exile.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Viewed by Lenin as a close friend.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- In favour of rapid industrialisation and the ending of the NEP.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Opposed seizing power in the October Revolution.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Gained a reputation in the Civil War for staying in luxurious hotels, far from fighting.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Not popular - seen as vain and not very talented.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were some of Stalin's advantages? - Answer ✔✔ - - Seen as a Georgian peasant.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Long history as a Bolshevik.
II! II! II! II! II!
- Lenin liked and respected him.
II! II! II! II! II!
- People like the idea of "socialism in one country" no war.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Member of the Politburo so a leading politician.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- As General Secretary has access to many files so can promote his supporters into key positions.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Had a difficult childhood which made him resilient.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were some of Stalin's disadvantages? - Answer ✔✔ - - Lenin's Political Testament called for
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
his removal.
II! II!
- He has a dull personality and isn't a good public speaker or thinker.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He didn't take a leading role in the October Revolution or Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were some of Trotsky's advantages? - Answer ✔✔ - - Took part in the failed 1905 uprising
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
against the Tsar.
II! II! II!
, - Lenin's right hand man from 1917 until his death.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Planned the October Revolution which brought communist rule to Russia.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He created the Red Army which helped to win the Civil War.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Popular amongst the Party's younger, more radical members.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- After Lenin is one of the most influential thinkers.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- He is a brilliant organiser and inspirational public speaker.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Has important positions in the Party and is in charge of the Red Army.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were some of Trotsky's disadvantages? - Answer ✔✔ - - Only became a Bolshevik in 1917
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
some commitment to the Party is questioned.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Seen as arrogant and doesn't have many supporters.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Some members are anti-Semetic so dislike him as he is Jewish.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Seen as too "Western".
II! II! II! II!
- Often experiences bouts of fever which leave him exhausted.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Doesn't like political tactics and rarely attends Party meetings.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Many oppose his ideas of worldwide revolution as they are against new wars and violence.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
- Seen as a threat as he is in charge of the Red Army.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were the main features of the *left wing* communists? - Answer ✔✔ - They were radicals
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
who wanted to build communism as quickly as possible. This required the ending of the NEP and
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
beginning rapid industrialisation. Its main figures were Trotsky, Zinoviev and Kamenev.
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
What were the main features of the *right wing* communists? - Answer ✔✔ - They were lead by
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
Bukharin and supported the NEP and the slow industrialisation of Russia. They supported Stalin's
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
ideas of socialism in one country and understood that it would be a long time before Russia became
II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II! II!
a communist society.
II! II! II!
