Year 9 - History
The extent to which communism changed Russia
The Russian Revolution: did communism completely transform Russian society?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about Karl Marx's theories regarding communism and the conduct and impact of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. They examine the Russian Civil War and Russian society in the 1920s and 30s, allowing them to judge the extent to which communism changed Russia.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to assess the extent of difference between tsarist Russia and Soviet Russia.
Key Notes
- In February 1917, tsarist rule in Russia came to an end and in October 1917, Communist Party rule began.
- Communist Party policies introduced by Stalin modernised agriculture and industry in the USSR.
- Russian tsars and the Communist Party both ruled Russia with absolute power.
- Communist Party rule significantly reduced wealth inequality but created new types of inequality in the USSR.
Vocabulary To Learn
- wealth inequality: differences in how many valuable things people own, such as land or businesses, can be described as wealth inequality
- elites: members of the most powerful group in a society can be described as elites
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Students assume that revolutions lead to complete change.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
In February 1917, tsarist rule in Russia came to an end and in October 1917, Communist Party rule began. Communist Party policies introduced by Stalin modernised agriculture and industry in the USSR.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'wealth inequality'
differences in how many valuable things people own, such as land or businesses, can be described as wealth inequality.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Students assume that revolutions lead to complete change. Correction: Emphasise that there were significant changes in Russia after 1917 but similarities remained, such as the lack of freedom for opposition.
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