Topic 3 - The development of the Communist state, 1921-1924

 specimen Paper

RESOURCES and Revision

For this topic you must study the three Key Questions below:

1. Why did Lenin introduce the New Economic Policy and how successful was it?

• The reasons for the introduction of the New Economic Policy (the condition of Russia in 1921; the effects of War Communism; the Kronstadt mutiny)

• The New Economic Policy(the main features of the NEP; its impact on Russia)

2. Did Lenin succeed in establishing a Communist state in Russia?

• Creation of the organs of the Communist state(the organisation of the CPSU; the Comintern; the Cheka and Red Terror)

• The growth of centralisation (extension of government control of key aspects of the economy: industry, banking, transport, foreign trade)

• Life under Communist rule (changes for women; control over education, culture and religion; propaganda and censorship)

3. What was Lenin's legacy to Russia?

• The power struggle to succeed Lenin (Lenin's declining health and influence; possible successors: Trotsky and Stalin; Stalin's scheming to assume the leadership)

• Lenin's contribution (as party leader; as political theorist; his prestige and determination)

Short videos and powerpoints on the development of the Communist State

1. Propaganda Powerpoint

2. Soviet propaganda video

3. 1921 Famine video

4. NEP Powerpoint

5. Brodsky Propaganda picture

6. Eisenstein's view of the October Revolution - Propaganda

7. Soviet Propaganda cartoon

8. Powerpoint Lenin's legacy

Podcast

How important was Lenin?