A-Level History (AQA) > 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964 > Flashcards

1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964 Flashcards

Explain how political revolution and ideological change transformed Russia from Tsarist rule to Soviet power. (119 cards)

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1
Q

What form of government existed in Russia in 1855?

A

Autocracy

The Tsar ruled with absolute authority and little constitutional limitation.

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2
Q

Which war exposed Russia’s military and administrative weaknesses before 1855?

A

Crimean War

Defeat highlighted the need for reform in Russia.

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3
Q

Which Tsar ruled Russia from 1855 and introduced major reforms?

A

Alexander II

Often known as the “Tsar Liberator.”

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4
Q

Name three reforms carried out by Alexander II.

A
  • Emancipation of the Serfs
  • Zemstva (local government) reform
  • Judicial reform
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5
Q

Fill in the blank:

The 1861 reform freeing Russian peasants from bondage was the _______ of the serfs.

A

Emancipation

It granted legal freedom but imposed redemption payments.

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6
Q

What major social group gained freedom through Alexander II’s reforms?

A

Serfs

About 50 million peasants were legally freed.

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7
Q

True or False:

Emancipated peasants received land completely free of charge.

A

False

Peasants had to make long-term redemption payments for land.

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8
Q

What local government bodies were created by reforms in the 1860s?

A

Zemstva

They handled local issues such as education and health.

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9
Q

Which military reform introduced universal conscription in Russia?

A

Military reform of 1874

It modernised the Russian army and reduced service time.

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10
Q

Which Tsar succeeded Alexander II after his assassination in 1881?

A

Alexander III

He reversed many reformist policies.

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11
Q

What governing philosophy did Alexander III strongly reinforce?

A

Autocracy

He believed in strong central authority and repression.

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12
Q

What policy aimed to impose Russian language and culture on minorities?

A

Russification

It targeted ethnic minorities within the empire.

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13
Q

Which minority group faced particularly severe persecution under the Tsars?

A

Jews

Pogroms and discriminatory laws restricted Jewish life.

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14
Q

True or False:

Russification allowed ethnic minorities greater cultural autonomy.

A

False

It aimed to suppress minority identities.

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15
Q

Which movement believed peasants could form a socialist society?

A

Populism

Populists aimed to mobilize peasants against the regime.

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16
Q

Which revolutionary group assassinated Alexander II in 1881?

A

People’s Will

A radical terrorist organisation.

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17
Q

Which ideology promoted constitutional reform and civil liberties in Russia?

A

Liberalism

Liberals sought gradual reform of the Tsarist system.

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18
Q

Which radical ideology aimed to overthrow capitalism through worker revolution?

A

Marxism

It gained influence among Russian intellectuals.

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19
Q

What major economic change began transforming Russia in the late 19th century?

A

Industrialisation

Factories and railways expanded rapidly.

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20
Q

Which finance minister promoted rapid industrial growth in the 1890s?

A

Sergei Witte

He encouraged foreign investment and railway construction.

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21
Q

Which major railway project symbolised Russia’s industrial expansion?

A

Trans-Siberian Railway

It connected European Russia to Siberia.

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22
Q

What remained the dominant social class in Russia despite industrialisation?

A

Peasantry

Most Russians still lived in rural areas.

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23
Q

Which institution had strong cultural influence over Russian society?

A

Russian Orthodox Church

It supported the Tsar and reinforced traditional authority.

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24
Q

Which Tsar ruled Russia from 1894 until the fall of the monarchy?

A

Nicholas II

His rule ended during the 1917 Revolution.

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25
# True or False: **Nicholas II** was widely seen as a **strong and effective ruler**.
False ## Footnote He was often criticised for weak leadership.
26
Which **war against Japan** (1904–1905) damaged the **prestige of the Tsarist regime**?
Russo-Japanese War ## Footnote Russia suffered humiliating defeat.
27
Name two motivations for the Russo-Japanese War.
* Territorial rivalry in Manchuria & Korea * Russian expansion threatening Japan
28
Name three consequences of the Russo-Japanese War.
* Russia humiliated — major defeat + territorial losses * Japan rises — becomes a recognised world power * Revolutionary unrest — contributes to 1905 Revolution in Russia
29
Which **massacre of protesters in 1905** triggered **widespread unrest**?
Bloody Sunday ## Footnote Soldiers fired on peaceful demonstrators in St Petersburg.
30
# Fill in the blank: The revolutionary upheaval of 1905 is known as the _\_\_\_\_\_\_ Revolution.
1905 ## Footnote It forced the Tsar to introduce limited reforms.
31
Rank the three causes of the 1905 Revolution by order of significance.
* Defeat in Russo‑Japanese War * Harsh economic + working conditions * Anger at Tsarist autocracy
32
Which **political institution** was created after the **1905 Revolution**?
Duma ## Footnote It functioned as a limited parliamentary body.
33
Which **document** promised **civil liberties after the 1905 Revolution**?
October Manifesto ## Footnote Issued by Nicholas II under pressure.
34
# True or False: The **Tsar** retained **significant power** even after the **Duma was created**.
True ## Footnote He could dissolve the Duma and control government.
35
Which **Prime Minister** introduced **agricultural reforms after 1906**?
Pyotr Stolypin ## Footnote He aimed to strengthen peasant land ownership.
36
What was the aim of **Stolypin’s agricultural reforms**?
Create prosperous farmers ## Footnote These farmers were expected to support the regime.
37
Which **economic trend** characterised **Russia before 1914**?
Industrial growth ## Footnote Urban factories and railways expanded rapidly.
38
What **social class** grew quickly in **Russian cities before 1914**?
Industrial workers ## Footnote Many faced harsh working conditions.
39
Which **ideology** gained support among **Russian workers and intellectuals**?
Socialism ## Footnote It promoted revolutionary change.
40
Which faction of the **Russian Social Democratic Party** was led by **Lenin**?
Bolsheviks ## Footnote They supported a disciplined revolutionary party.
41
Which rival **socialist faction** favoured **broader party membership**?
Mensheviks ## Footnote They advocated a more gradual path to socialism.
42
# True or False: **Bolsheviks and Mensheviks** agreed on how a revolution should occur.
False ## Footnote They disagreed over strategy and organisation.
43
Which **war** placed severe **economic and social strain** on Russia after 1914?
First World War ## Footnote Military defeats and shortages destabilised the regime.
44
Which **city** experienced **mass protests that sparked the February Revolution**?
Petrograd ## Footnote Strikes and demonstrations spread rapidly.
45
# Fill in the blank: The uprising that forced **Nicholas II to abdicate** is known as the _\_\_\_\_\_\_ Revolution.
February ## Footnote It ended Tsarist rule.
46
Which body formed after the February Revolution to **govern Russia**?
Provisional Government ## Footnote It attempted to establish democratic rule.
47
Which **alternative political organisation** represented **workers and soldiers**?
Petrograd Soviet ## Footnote It competed with the Provisional Government for authority.
48
# True or False: The **Provisional Government** immediately withdrew Russia from the **First World War**.
False ## Footnote It chose to continue the war, causing widespread discontent.
49
Which **Bolshevik leader** returned to Russia in **April 1917**?
Vladimir Lenin ## Footnote He promoted radical revolutionary change.
50
Which **document** outlined **Lenin’s revolutionary programme** in 1917?
April Theses ## Footnote It called for “peace, land and bread.”
51
Which **uprising** brought the **Bolsheviks to power in 1917**?
October Revolution ## Footnote Bolshevik forces seized key locations in Petrograd.
52
Which **government** replaced the **Provisional Government after October 1917**?
Bolshevik government ## Footnote Lenin became head of the new regime.
53
# Fill in the blank: The Bolshevik government signed the Treaty of _\_\_\_\_\_\_ in 1918 to exit the war.
Brest-Litovsk ## Footnote It ended Russia’s participation in the war.
54
Name two consequences of the **Brest-Litovsk Treaty 1918**.
* Huge territorial losses * Fuelled Civil War opposition
55
Which **political assembly** elected in 1917 was soon **dissolved by the Bolsheviks**?
Constituent Assembly ## Footnote The Bolsheviks closed it after losing the election.
56
# True or False: All **political opposition to the Bolsheviks** disappeared after **October 1917**.
False ## Footnote Opposition groups soon fought the Bolsheviks in civil war.
57
Which **secret police organisation** enforced **Bolshevik authority**?
Cheka ## Footnote It targeted counter-revolutionaries.
58
What type of **government** had replaced **Tsarist autocracy by December 1917**?
Bolshevik dictatorship ## Footnote The Bolsheviks centralised power and suppressed opposition.
59
What long-term **political outcome** resulted from the **revolutions of 1917**?
End of Romanov rule ## Footnote The centuries-old Tsarist dynasty collapsed.
60
Which **political party** seized power in Russia in **October 1917**?
Bolsheviks ## Footnote Led by Lenin, they overthrew the Provisional Government.
61
Which **ideology** guided the **Bolshevik government after 1917**?
Marxism-Leninism ## Footnote It combined Marxist theory with Lenin’s revolutionary ideas.
62
Who led the **Soviet government** after the **October Revolution**?
Vladimir Lenin ## Footnote He became head of the new Bolshevik regime.
63
# Fill in the blank: The emergency **police organisation** created in **1917** was called the _\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Cheka ## Footnote It suppressed counter-revolution and opposition.
64
What **system of economic control** was introduced during the **Civil War**?
War Communism ## Footnote The state controlled industry and requisitioned grain.
65
# True or False: **War Communism** improved **living standards** for most Russians.
False ## Footnote It caused severe shortages and economic collapse.
66
Which **economic policy** replaced **War Communism in 1921**?
New Economic Policy ## Footnote Also known as the NEP.
67
Name three results of the NEP.
* Small‑scale private trade allowed * Peasants could sell surplus for profit * State kept control of major industries
68
What was the aim of the **New Economic Policy**?
Economic recovery ## Footnote It stabilised the economy after Civil War disruption.
69
Which **Soviet leader** emerged as dominant after **Lenin’s death in 1924**?
Joseph Stalin ## Footnote He consolidated power through party control.
70
Which **ideology** emphasised building **socialism within the USSR**?
Socialism in one country ## Footnote Stalin promoted this against Trotsky’s ideas.
71
What term describes Stalin’s highly centralised **authoritarian rule**?
Stalinist dictatorship ## Footnote Political power became concentrated around Stalin.
72
Which **political organisation** controlled **government and society** in the USSR?
Communist Party ## Footnote It dominated all aspects of Soviet political life.
73
What **economic policy** forced **peasants into collective farms**?
Collectivisation ## Footnote Private farming was replaced with state-controlled farms.
74
Name two **successes** of **Collectivisation**.
* Increased state grain procurement — more grain seized for cities + export. * Tighter state control of countryside — peasants brought under central authority.
75
Name two **failures** of **Collectivisation**.
* Mass famine (esp. Ukraine) — huge loss of life due to forced requisitioning. * Collapse in livestock numbers — peasants slaughtered animals rather than surrender them.
76
# Fill in the blank: Stalin’s **economic development plans** were known as _\_\_\_\_\_\_ Year Plans.
Five ## Footnote They set industrial production targets.
77
What was the **main goal** of the **Five Year Plans**?
Rapid industrialisation ## Footnote Heavy industry such as steel and coal expanded.
78
# True or False: **Collectivisation** improved relations between **peasants and the government**.
False ## Footnote Many peasants resisted and agricultural disruption followed.
79
Which **group of wealthier peasants** were targeted during **collectivisation**?
Kulaks ## Footnote They were labelled class enemies.
80
What **famine** resulted partly from **collectivisation policies in the early 1930s**?
Soviet famine ## Footnote Millions died, especially in Ukraine.
81
What **propaganda technique** glorified **Stalin** as an infallible leader?
Cult of personality ## Footnote Stalin was portrayed as heroic and wise.
82
Which **social group** was heavily targeted for **ideological education**?
Young people ## Footnote Youth organisations promoted loyalty to the regime.
83
Which **youth organisation** promoted **communist ideology among children**?
Komsomol ## Footnote It encouraged political loyalty and activism.
84
What **policy** limited **religious influence in Soviet society**?
State atheism ## Footnote The regime discouraged religious belief.
85
# True or False: **Religion** was strongly supported by the **Soviet government**.
False ## Footnote Churches were closed and religious practice restricted.
86
Which **ethnic policy** sometimes suppressed **minority cultures**?
Russification ## Footnote Russian language and culture were promoted.
87
Which **campaign of repression** targeted **political opponents** in the 1930s?
Great Purge ## Footnote Party members and officials were arrested or executed.
88
# Fill in the blank: The series of **staged court trials** during the purges were called the _\_\_\_\_\_\_ Trials.
Show ## Footnote Defendants publicly confessed to crimes.
89
Which **organisation** replaced the **Cheka as the Soviet secret police in the 1930s**?
NKVD ## Footnote It enforced Stalin’s repression.
90
Which **prison camp system** held political prisoners and forced labourers?
Gulag ## Footnote Millions were imprisoned in labour camps.
91
# True or False: **Stalin** tolerated **open political opposition** within the Communist Party.
False ## Footnote Opposition was suppressed through terror and purges.
92
By 1941, what **type of political system** existed in the **Soviet Union**?
Totalitarian state ## Footnote The government controlled politics, economy and society.
93
Which **war** began for the Soviet Union when **Germany invaded in 1941**?
Second World War ## Footnote The conflict became known as the Great Patriotic War.
94
Which **leader** directed the **Soviet war effort against Nazi Germany**?
Joseph Stalin ## Footnote He became a symbol of national resistance.
95
What **economic change** occurred during **wartime mobilisation**?
Centralised war economy ## Footnote Industry was redirected toward military production.
96
What **impact** did the **war** have on Soviet society?
Massive destruction ## Footnote Millions died and cities were devastated.
97
# True or False: **Stalin’s authority** weakened during the **Second World War**.
False ## Footnote His leadership strengthened his position.
98
What term describes **Stalin’s rule after the Second World War**?
High Stalinism ## Footnote Political repression intensified again.
99
Which **propaganda theme** emphasised **Stalin’s leadership and heroism**?
Cult of personality ## Footnote His image dominated Soviet propaganda.
100
Which **event in 1953** created a **leadership struggle in the USSR**?
Stalin’s death ## Footnote It ended decades of personal dictatorship.
101
Which **Soviet leader** eventually emerged as dominant after **Stalin’s death**?
Nikita Khrushchev ## Footnote He consolidated power by the mid-1950s.
102
What **policy** condemned **Stalin’s crimes and repression**?
De-Stalinisation ## Footnote Khrushchev criticised Stalin’s rule.
103
# Fill in the blank: Khrushchev’s **speech criticising Stalin in 1956** is known as the _\_\_\_\_\_\_ Speech.
Secret ## Footnote Delivered at the Communist Party Congress.
104
What **political change** accompanied **de-Stalinisation**?
Reduced terror ## Footnote Mass repression declined compared to Stalin’s era.
105
What **agricultural scheme** attempted to increase **grain production**?
Virgin Lands scheme ## Footnote New farmland was cultivated in Kazakhstan and Siberia.
106
Name three consequences of the **Virgin Lands scheme**.
* Early grain production boom * Severe soil erosion crisis * Settlers faced harsh conditions
107
What **industrial reform** tried to decentralise **economic management**?
Regional economic councils ## Footnote Khrushchev reduced central ministry control.
108
# True or False: **Khrushchev** completely abandoned **socialist economic planning**.
False ## Footnote Central planning remained the basis of the economy.
109
Which **cultural change** occurred during **Khrushchev’s leadership**?
Cultural thaw ## Footnote Greater artistic and intellectual freedom emerged.
110
Which **group** criticised **Khrushchev’s reforms** as too radical?
Party hardliners ## Footnote Conservative communists resisted change.
111
Name three of **Khrushchev**’s reforms.
* Ended Stalin‑era terror * Launched Virgin Lands campaign * Decentralised economic management
112
What term describes individuals who criticised **Soviet policies and censorship**?
Dissidents ## Footnote Writers and intellectuals often led criticism.
113
Which **political conflict** existed within the **Communist Party during Khrushchev’s rule**?
Reformers vs hardliners ## Footnote Debates arose over economic and political change.
114
# True or False: **Khrushchev** maintained **full support within the Communist Party** throughout his rule.
False ## Footnote Opposition grew among party leaders.
115
Which **event** ended **Khrushchev’s leadership** in 1964?
Removal from power ## Footnote Party officials forced him to resign.
116
By 1964, what **political system** still dominated the **Soviet Union**?
Communist one-party state ## Footnote The Communist Party remained the sole political authority.
117
What characterised **Soviet society** by the early 1960s despite reforms?
Limited freedoms ## Footnote Political dissent remained restricted.
118
What major **economic feature** continued to define the **Soviet system by 1964**?
Planned economy ## Footnote The state controlled production and economic planning.
119
What major **legacy** remained from **Stalin’s rule**?
Authoritarian political culture ## Footnote Centralised authority and party dominance continued.
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