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AQA A-Level History Russia Chapter 10
Flashcards Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest
Update / Already Graded
What was the Party split over? How was this split?
Ans: -Economic Policy as well as ideological debates about Marxism and
Leninism- the two had become inseparable over time.
-Theories of Marxism-Leninism had supposed that revolution could not just
survive in one country with the other Capitalist countries ganging together and
'strangling revolution at birth'.
-Lenin's introduction of the New Economic Policy in 1921 massively differed from
Marxist-Leninist ideology as it reinstated some capitalistic ideals.
On the left (Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev), they were of the belief that the Soviet
Union should commit to the idea of a 'permanent revolution'-an added emphasis
on the Comintern so that revolutions could occur worldwide until there were
socialist societies globally. They wanted to get rid of the NEP.
Stalin, as the 'grey area' believed that that the USSR should focus on 'Socialism in
one country'. An emphasis on building the Socialist state in the USSR whilst
leaving international revolution on the backburner and so contradicted the
Marxist view as it didn't discuss establishing Socialism on a global scale. In this
sense, it was believed that Bolshevik Russia should attempt to build a 'workers'
paradise' in the Soviet Union which would be evidence for the rest of the world
that it can be fully attainable and thus would follow suit. His opinions on the NEP
fluctuated over time and was known to be in a 'golden middle' when it came to
his views.
The moderates-rights (Bukharin, Rykov, Tomsky) wanted to continue with the
NEP.
What ideology was prevailing at this time?
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Ans: 'Socialism in one country' was a compromise with the current realities of
the international situation. This therefore helped to appease the Party members
who wanted stability and feared Trotsky's idea of the continuation of
revolutionary turmoil.
What event did Stalin use to his advantage to better his position for leadership?
Was this event detrimental for anyone?
Ans: Stalin used Lenin's funeral to his advantage. He had used his organisational
role in the funeral as a way to promote the cult of Leninism through making it a
state occasion. This was made obvious through the adoration of Lenin. His body
was embalmed (as Stalin insisted) and placed on public view. Stalin might've
attempted to turn Leninism into some form of religion with Stalin, the loyal
comrade, as High Priest.
Trotsky didn't attend Lenin's funeral. Instead, he was in Sukhum on the Black Sea
as he was struggling with influenza. This gave Stalin a much greater political
advantage.
In what other ways did Stalin have the upper hand throughout the leadership
struggle?
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
AQA A-Level History Russia Chapter 10
Flashcards Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest
Update / Already Graded
What was the Party split over? How was this split?
Ans: -Economic Policy as well as ideological debates about Marxism and
Leninism- the two had become inseparable over time.
-Theories of Marxism-Leninism had supposed that revolution could not just
survive in one country with the other Capitalist countries ganging together and
'strangling revolution at birth'.
-Lenin's introduction of the New Economic Policy in 1921 massively differed from
Marxist-Leninist ideology as it reinstated some capitalistic ideals.
On the left (Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev), they were of the belief that the Soviet
Union should commit to the idea of a 'permanent revolution'-an added emphasis
on the Comintern so that revolutions could occur worldwide until there were
socialist societies globally. They wanted to get rid of the NEP.
Stalin, as the 'grey area' believed that that the USSR should focus on 'Socialism in
one country'. An emphasis on building the Socialist state in the USSR whilst
leaving international revolution on the backburner and so contradicted the
Marxist view as it didn't discuss establishing Socialism on a global scale. In this
sense, it was believed that Bolshevik Russia should attempt to build a 'workers'
paradise' in the Soviet Union which would be evidence for the rest of the world
that it can be fully attainable and thus would follow suit. His opinions on the NEP
fluctuated over time and was known to be in a 'golden middle' when it came to
his views.
The moderates-rights (Bukharin, Rykov, Tomsky) wanted to continue with the
NEP.
What ideology was prevailing at this time?
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Ans: 'Socialism in one country' was a compromise with the current realities of
the international situation. This therefore helped to appease the Party members
who wanted stability and feared Trotsky's idea of the continuation of
revolutionary turmoil.
What event did Stalin use to his advantage to better his position for leadership?
Was this event detrimental for anyone?
Ans: Stalin used Lenin's funeral to his advantage. He had used his organisational
role in the funeral as a way to promote the cult of Leninism through making it a
state occasion. This was made obvious through the adoration of Lenin. His body
was embalmed (as Stalin insisted) and placed on public view. Stalin might've
attempted to turn Leninism into some form of religion with Stalin, the loyal
comrade, as High Priest.
Trotsky didn't attend Lenin's funeral. Instead, he was in Sukhum on the Black Sea
as he was struggling with influenza. This gave Stalin a much greater political
advantage.
In what other ways did Stalin have the upper hand throughout the leadership
struggle?
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
