3
The age of World Wars
The Soviet Union
1
Introduction
Intro
Thinking like a historian
The Romanovs, a family of czars, ruled Russia for more than
Change and continuity
300 years, from 1613 to 1917. Then the Communists seized
When studying history, it is important to make a distinction
control. From 1928 to 1953 Stalin was the leader of the
between what remains the same and what changes. If some-
Communist Soviet Union. The Russians saw their daily lives
thing stays the same, it is called continuity. A change does
change significantly under his rule.
not generally mean a complete change. Usually it is a change
1
Study HB source 1 and read the introductory text.
in a particular area. There are political, economic, social and
a What indicates that these people are feeling nostalgic
cultural changes. When investigating changes, you should
about the past?
be able to explain whether it is a quick or a gradual change,
They carry Soviet Union flags, portraits
of Joseph Stalin, and banners.
and whether it is a major or a minor change. If there are many
b Russia has been a capitalist state since 1991. Which
called a revolution. In this chapter you are going to learn how
aspects of Communist Russia would the people in HB source
to recognize and classify different kinds of change.
1 feel nostalgic about? Give one example.
3
sudden changes affecting people in many different areas, it is
Personal answer. For example, a better
protection of the workers’ rights, such
as shorter working hours.
2
Compare HB source 2 and HB source 3.
a In which territories did the Soviet Union expand its
influence between 1917 en 1953?
Have a look at HB source 2.
In Eastern Europe, Afghanistan,
Mongolia.
a The word czar is derived from the Latin word ‘caesar’.
b What would you call the change described in question a?
What do caesar and czar mean?
A Cultural change.
Emperor.
B Economic change.
b Read WB source 1. Why did Czar Nicholas II nonetheless
C Political change.
succeed his father?
D Social change.
He did not have a choice; it is part of
belonging to a monarchy.
c Compare the capital cities of Russia (1917) and the Soviet
c The Russian Empire covered an area the size of one sixth
In 1917 Petrograd was the capital. In
1953 the city was called Leningrad and
Moscow had become the new capital.
Union (1953). What changed?
of the world. Why did the Czar think it important to build
railways in his empire?
It would speed up communication so
that the Czar knew what was happening
and it would make it easier for him to
move his army to the far corners of the
empire.
4
Read WB source 2.
a What kind of change took place? Cross out the incorrect
options and explain your answer.
A(n) cultural • economic • political • social change,
a national anthem is part of the
culture of a country.
because
Source 1 The words of Czar Nicholas II (1868-1917) on the day
b What was the pace of this change?
his father died.
the new national
anthem was announced immediately
after the competition.
A quick • gradual change, because
Not ready yet
I am not ready yet to be Czar. I know nothing of the
business of ruling.
Based on: Nicholas II, 20 October 1894.
46
c How great was this change?
d How great was this change?
a national
anthem does not have much impact on
people’s lives.
It was a minor • major change, because
a different
government seriously affects the lives
of many people.
It was a minor • major change, because
e Cross out the incorrect option.
Source 2 In 1883 they organised a competition for a new
The government of Russia between 1883 and 1917 did • did
Russian national anthem. This is the winning song.
not show much continuity.
God, save the Czar
Source 3 The Internationale was the Soviet Union’s national
God save the noble Czar
anthem from around 1918 onward. On 2 March 1917 the Czar
Long may he live, in pow’r
was deposed; Russia was no longer a monarchy. The first verse
In happiness,
and the refrain of the new national anthem are shown below.
In peace to reign!
The Internationale
5
Dread of his enemies,
Arise ye workers from your slumbers
Faith’s sure defender,
Arise ye prisoners of want
God, save the Czar!
For reason in revolt now thunders
Save the Czar!
And at last ends the age of cant.
Away with all your superstitions
Read WB source 3.
Servile masses arise, arise
a Compare WB source 2 and WB source 3. What are the
Will change henceforth the old tradition
differences between the two national anthems? Complete
And spurn the dust to win the prize.
the table.
God, save the Czar
Who is the
song about?
Who should
be in power
according to
this song?
What should
happen
according to
this song?
Refrain:
The Internationale
The Russian The
Czar
wretched of
the earth,
the workers
The Russian The workers
Czar
The government
should remain the
same • change.
So comrades, come rally,
And the last fight let us face,
The Internationale unites
the human race.
Taken from: Eugène Pottier, Internationale, 1900. Adapted and
translated by Charles H. Kerr.
6
The government
should remain the
same • change.
Use WB source 3. The Internationale was composed in
France in 1888.
a How does this song describe the workers’ lives?
b WB sources 2 and 3 show that there were changes in
They were hungry, they were a kind of
slave and were powerless.
Russia around 1918. Which two kinds of change have you
b Which movement fits this song?
read about in the lyrics? Cross out the incorrect options and
A Denominationalism.
explain your answer.
B Feminism.
Cultural • economic • political • social changes, because
C Liberalism.
they had a new national anthem and a
different government: the Czar had
been deposed.
D Socialism/Communism.
c Why was this song called The Internationale?
All should join in the fight against the
oppression of workers around the whole
world.
c What was the pace of this change?
the Czar (the
monarchy) was gone from one day to
the next.
A quick • gradual change, because
47
Chapter 3
Key facts
The age of World Wars • The Soviet Union
2
The Russian Revolution
4
Intro
a Which new social group arose as a result of Russian
The Romanovs and the nobility were in complete control.
industrialisation?
In 1917 the people were fed up with starvation, poverty and
Workers.
inequality, and rebelled.
b Imagine you are investigating the conditions of Russian
1
Study HB source 1.
peasants living in the 19th century. Give two examples of
a What were the reasons why the Putilov factory had
continuity.
become the largest factory in St Petersburg by 1917?
Their working and living conditions
remained poor and they could not
influence the regime.
□ Industrialisation in Russia had started properly around
1917.
5
□ Russia needed many weapons in order to be able to fight
2
in the First World War.
□ The working class and wealthy class are always fighting
□ It was important to be able to send goods to the front.
about the ownership of money, raw materials and factories.
□ The Czar wanted the largest factory to be in his capital to
□ After the class struggle the wealthy class will share
demonstrate his power.
power with the workers.
b What have you concluded from HB source 1 about the
□ Eventually workers will seize power in a revolution.
rule of Czar Nicholas?
□ After the revolution everybody will be equal.
He was an autocrat. He would not
accept any opposition, or criticism of
his rule.
b What did the Communists in Russia find challenging
about Marx’ theory?
a What are the problems the Chairman of the Duma
There were comparatively few workers,
because Russia did not have much
industry.
describes to the Czar?
c How did Lenin adapt Marx’ theory?
Shortages of food and fuel, violence in
the streets, the people’s distrust, the
paralysed government.
b What kind of change does Rodzianko fear? Cross out the
There would not be a spontaneous
revolution started by workers, but an
organised revolution by professional
revolutionaries.
incorrect options and explain your answer.
d What were Lenin’s supporters in Russia called?
A cultural • economic • political • social change, because
Bolsheviks.
he is afraid of an end to the monarchy
and that a tyrant will seize power.
e The Social Democrats had a different approach to
Read the introductory text.
achieving Marx’ goal than Lenin. What was their approach?
They demanded universal suffrage and
wanted to implement laws to improve
the situation of workers and peasants.
Consolidation
3
a Which ideas match Karl Marx’ theory?
Read the main text carefully. Who ruled Russia in the
following periods? Complete the table.
Period
Ruler
Until March 1917
Czar Nicholas and the
Duma
Provisional
Government
March
1917-October 1917
1918-1922
Civil war: a struggle between the
1922
Whites and the Reds
Lenin, the Communist
Party
6
a What caused the protests on Bloody Sunday in 1905?
The Russian defeat in the JapaneseRussian war.
b To what extent did Bloody Sunday cause a political
change?
To some extent it did, because
they were given a
parliament (Duma).
in practice the
Czar remained in control.
To some extent it did not, because
48
7
They sided with the Reds, because they
promised to improve their conditions
and wanted a society in which
everybody was equal.
What are causes and consequences of the February
Revolution and the October Revolution? Cross out the
incorrect options.
Event
February Revolution
Cause or
or October Revolution
consequence
Bolsheviks
carried out this
revolution.
February • October
Revolution
Cause •
Consequence
Civil war broke
out.
February • October
Revolution
Cause •
Consequence
The war did not
end.
February • October
Revolution
Cause •
Consequence
The Czar was
deposed and a
new government
was set up.
February • October
Revolution
Cause •
Consequence
The working and
living conditions
of peasants and
workers were
poor.
February • October
Revolution
Cause •
Consequence
Many strikes
and demonstrations
February • October
Revolution
Cause •
Consequence
Lenin came to
power.
February • October
Revolution
Cause •
Consequence
c Give a reason why the Whites lost the civil war.
8
The Whites were composed of many
different groups who all had different
goals.
10 Have a look at HB source 5.
a Which groups would experience the Soviet Union as new
era?
The peasants, workers and soldiers.
b To what extent does this postcard reflect reality in 1922?
Explain your answer.
It does not, because the Communist
Party gained complete control. It does,
because the sick were given free
medical care. Education improved.
Assignment
Emancipation in the Soviet Union
In the Soviet Union all people were equal, men and women,
people in the cities and in the countryside. In this assignment
a Which two kinds of change does Lenin propose in his
you are going to investigate emancipation in the Soviet Union.
April theses? Cross out the incorrect options and explain
11
your answer.
a What were the changes for women in the Soviet Union
Cultural • economic • political • social changes, because
around 1920?
he wants to give all the land to the
peasants and the factories to the
workers (economic) and power should
go to the Soviets (political).
They were equal to men, they were
comrades, they could vote, attend
schools for adults and go to the library,
while their children went to nursery.
b What is the impact of these changes?
b What changed in the daily lives of women in the Soviet
the handover
of possessions and power seriously
affects people’s lives.
The impact is minor • major, because
9
Study HB source 6.
Union?
Women had to work, like men.
c Was paid work the Soviet woman’s right or duty? Explain
a Who supported the Reds and who supported the Whites
your answer.
in the Russian civil war? Complete the table. Choose from:
A duty, because they had to go out to
work; they did not have a choice.
Bolsheviks • nobility • Liberals • Social Democrats •
Western countries.
12 Have a look at WB sources 1 and 2.
The Reds
The Whites
a What suggests that women in the Soviet Union were not
Bolsheviks
Social Democrats
Nobility
Liberals
Western
countries
yet equal to men before the revolution?
In 1926 there were far fewer women
than men who could read and write. The
majority of those women must have
been of school age before 1917, but
apparently they did not go to school
(regularly).
b Who do you think did most of the peasants and workers
side with? Explain your answer.
49
Chapter
b Think of a reason for high illiteracy in the countryside in
Source 3 The Russian revolutionary and feminist Alexandra
1897.
Kollontai wrote much about women’s emancipation.
In the 19th century farming relied on
manpower, which does not need much
schooling.
Equality
While Liberals weigh the brain and calculate the
intellectual capacity of men and women, the Marxists
c Was the change in the scale of illiteracy major or minor?
fully recognise the natural differences between the
Cross out the incorrect options and explain your answer.
sexes. We only want one thing, viz. that each individual,
in 1939
the majority of people could read and
write.
This change was minor • major, because
man or woman, is given an opportunity to reach their
full potential and the chance to develop and apply their
natural talents.
Source 1 Reading and writing competence among Russian
Taken from: Aleksandra Kollontai, The social basis of the woman
men and women in the countryside aged nine and over.
question (1909).
1926
1939
Men
67%
92%
Women
35%
77%
14 Read WB source 4.
a Which consequences did Wilhelmina Triesman experience after her marriage in the Netherlands?
Source: Sheila Fitzpatrick, Stalins boeren (1994).
Source 2 Reading and writing competence in the city and
She lost her job and her Dutch
nationality.
countryside.
b What opportunities was Wilhelmina given in the Soviet
Union?
1897
1939
City
52.3%
89.5%
She could study and take a job.
Countryside
19.6%
76.7%
c Do you think that Wilhelmina was better off in the Soviet
Union or in the Netherlands? Explain your answer.
Source: Encarta.
Personal answer. For example, in
the Soviet Union, because they made it
possible for a married woman to study
and take a job.
13 Read WB source 3.
a In what respect does education reflect the ideals of
Communism?
Education gives all people the chance to
develop and therefore leads to more
equality.
Source 4 Wilhelmina Triesman built up a new life in Leningrad
(now St Petersburg).
b What is Kollontai’s opinion on the difference between
A young Rotterdam seamstress
Liberals and Marxists in terms of women’s emancipation?
Wilhelmina Triesman was 15 when she worked in a fabric
The Liberals investigate female nature,
before they decide whether women are
equal to men. The Marxists recognise
the differences and give equal
opportunities.
shop in Rotterdam. Several Russian ships had been
anchored in the port of Rotterdam since the outbreak of
the First World War. Wilhelmina fell in love with a Russian
sailor and they were married in 1920. Like all married
women in those days, she was fired on her wedding
c For what political reason did the Communist Party
day. Moreover, she lost her Dutch nationality through
consider education important for all citizens?
marrying a foreigner.
It made it possible for all citizens
to be ‘taught’ about the Communist
philosophy and the Party could
increase its power.
In 1925 the couple moved to the Soviet Union. Wilhelmina
was allowed to study and do voluntary work for the Party.
She had arrived in the Soviet Union as an unskilled
worker, but within a few years she had become a
scientific researcher in a famous museum.
Taken from: Janine Jager, Wilhelmina Triesman 1901-1982, een
Nederlandse in Leningrad (2012).
50
Chapter
The age of World Wars • The Soviet Union
Chapter 3
Key facts
3
Between pressure and promise
Intro
Cultural • economic • political • social changes, because
on economic recovery in order to reach the targets of the
they wanted more democracy and
freedom and less intervention by the
authorities in the economy.
revolution. The country was kept going by pressure and force.
b How did the peasants respond to the Bolshevik measu-
1
Study HB source 1.
res?
a How do you recognize the capitalists on this carriage?
They are the men in suits and top hats.
They were only producing enough food
for themselves.
b What does the blindfolded soldier stand for?
c How did Lenin resolve the problems that arose as a
The soldier blindly obeys the capitalists
in their fight against the Bolsheviks.
result of the radical introduction of Communism? Explain
c The train’s interior included a cinema, a library, a radio
There was more room in the New
Economic Policy for private initiative.
Lenin had promised the Russians peace and land. After the
October Revolution the Soviet authorities concentrated
your answer.
transmitter and a printing press. What were they used for?
2
To inform people about Communism and
to win them over.
d Does this new approach fit Communism? Explain your
Read the introductory text.
No, according to Communism land, raw
materials, machinery and factories
should be owned by the state/all
citizens. The NEP allowed people to have
possessions: peasants could sell their
harvest surplus on the free market
and owners of light industry could keep
their profit.
answer.
a Cross out the incorrect options.
The changes described by Dick Mohr were major • minor
changes in Russia, which took place quickly • gradually.
b What does Dick Mohr think of Communism?
He warns against the consequences of
the class struggle and the collapse of a
country when it becomes Communist.
5
Consolidation
3
Read WB source 1.
a Which fear does Lenin describe in his testament?
Read the main text carefully.
Trotsky and Stalin might fight over the
leadership of the party after his death
and the party could split.
a Who implemented the following economic changes?
Complete the second column in the table.
b Sequence the events in correctly. In the third column
b Lenin’s funeral was arranged by Stalin. Trotsky was
add number 1 after the two changes that happened first,
deliberately given the wrong date so that he would not be
number 2 after the following change and 3 after the next
present. What was Stalin’s objective?
two changes.
Change
Lenin or
He wanted to demonstrate that he was
the new leader and he wanted to put
Trotsky in a bad light. Now it looked as
if Trotsky had not considered the
funeral important enough to attend.
Sequence
Stalin
Collectivisation of agriculture
New Economic Policy
Land controlled by the state
Industrialisation
Nationalisation of businesses
4
Stalin
Lenin
Lenin
Stalin
Lenin
3
2
1
3
1
c In which respect did Lenin turn out to be right?
Stalin was ruthless. All he wanted was
to reach his targets of personal power
and a strong Communist Party.
a Which two kinds of change did the protesting sailors and
d Most Party members supported Stalin in his policy to
workers want in 1921? Cross out the incorrect options and
promote Communism at home. What was their reason?
explain your answer.
Many party members were tired with
all the revolutionary unrest and first
wanted to see change at home.
51
Chapter 3
The age of World Wars • The Soviet Union
people wanted to hear, which gained him much support.
Tractors/mechanisation meant fewer
farmworkers were needed. Instead,
they could go and work in factories.
B He implemented Karl Marx’ ideas precisely and divided
b Have a look at HB source 3. What are the benefits of
property and possessions fairly.
collectivisation according to this poster?
C His strengths were not in politics, but in economics.
Farmers use tractors to cultivate their
land and the electricity pylons in the
background show how farming together
leads to progress.
e How did Stalin rise to power?
A He disposed of his opponents and made promises
D He expelled Trotsky from the party and sent him into
exile abroad.
Source 1 Lenin wrote his political testament after he fell ill.
c Which two problems arose when the kolkhozes were
Testament
introduced?
Stalin’s relationship with Trotsky risks undermining
doubt whether he will use it well. Trotsky is a competent
Farmers did not want to hand over their
produce or leave their native soil to go
and work on a kolkhoz or in a factory.
Party member, but he is overconfident. […] Stalin is
d How did Stalin resolve these problems?
brutal and this fault in his character will be unacceptable
He forcibly made the peasants do what
he wanted.
unity in the party. Stalin has a great deal of power and I
in a General Secretary. I suggest comrades consider
how to transfer Stalin and appoint another man to this
Assignment
post. Someone who is more tolerant, loyal and polite to
The Five-year Plans
comrades, and who is less moody.
Stalin had great ambitions for industrialisation, which were
Taken from: Lenin’s testament (December 1922 and 4 January 1923).
6
laid down in Five-year Plans. In this assignment you are go-
Complete the table with the consequences of the economic
ing to investigate the results of these plans and what Stalin
measures for the farming population in the Soviet Union.
thought of them.
Economic
8
Consequences for peasants
Have a look at HB source 6.
a What explains the significant difference in production
measures
Nationalisation
(1917)
Bolsheviks
collect food
(1917)
New Economic
Policy (1921)
Collectivisation
of agriculture
(1931-1935)
7
between 1913 and 1922?
Their land is controlled
by the state
Famine, demonstrations
and protests
All peasants only give
some of their supply
to the state, they are
allowed to sell the rest
on the free market
Peasants are told to
leave their farms, they
work in the kolkhozes
The First World War began in 1914,
and in 1917 the February and October
Revolutions took place, followed by the
civil war. All this caused a significant fall
in production.
b Was the New Economic Policy successful? Explain your
answer.
Yes, the production figures rose sharply
between 1922 in 1928.
c Does this source suggest that the first Five-year Plan was
a success? Explain your answer.
Yes, the production figures rose sharply
between 1928 and 1933.
a What was the connection between the development of
d What is your conclusion about the development of the
industry and that of agriculture, according to Stalin?
Russian economy based on this source?
The establishment of large farm
businesses increased crop yield. The
sale of these crops to other countries
provided money for machinery.
The Russian economy developed
significantly after the NEP and the
Five-year Plans.
52
9
Have a look at HB source 7.
Champion worker
a Does this source suggest that the first Five-year Plan was
The Soviet Union tried to motivate workers to increase their
a success? Explain your answer.
productivity by awarding them the title of ‘Champion Worker’.
No, the production figures of cotton and
linen dropped, and those of wool only
increased by one third.
In this assignment you are going to investigate how this was
done and what the consequences were.
11
Read WB source 3.
b Does this source suggest that the second Five-year Plan
a Give the reason why the government rewarded people
was a success? Explain your answer.
who increased their productivity.
Partly, because the production of
cotton and linen rose, whereas wool
remained stable.
The authorities wanted to reach the
targets of the Five-year Plans and
stimulate the economy.
c What is your conclusion about Stalin’s targets based on
b Also use HB source 5. In what ways were workers
this source?
rewarded for exceptional achievements?
Stalin was overambitious; the targets
were not reached as fully as he would
like.
They were given premiums, better food,
improved housing and medals.
c Do these kinds of rewards fit in with Communism?
10 Read WB source 2.
Explain your answer.
No, they are material rewards, and more
in line with capitalism than Communism.
These rewards increase inequality
among the population, whereas the
Communist ideal is equality.
a This source shows that it was important to Stalin that the
first Five-year Plans were successful. Explain.
He wanted to show that his measures
suited the country and that
Communism was a better system than
capitalism.
d In WB source 3 the word ‘volunteer’ has quotation
b Use HB sources 6 and 7. Do you think Stalin was justified
marks. What is the reason? Also use the main text.
to call the first Five-year Plan a success? Explain your
The authorities made it appear as if
this movement was a workers’ initiative,
whereas in reality they themselves were
the instigators.
answer.
Not entirely, because not all industrial
sectors produced results as planned.
Source 2 Stalin on the results of the first Five-year Plan.
Source 3 ‘Stakhanovite worker’ was a standard expression for
the perfect worker: hardworking and quiet.
Stalin on the first Five-year Plan
The results of the Five-year Plan have defied the
Stakhanovism
predictions made by opponents, who claimed that the
Aleksei Stakhanov managed to increase coal production
Five-year Plan was a fallacy, a shameful, unachievable
to over 14 times the average amount set by the
figment of the mind. The results have shown that the
authorities. He succeeded, supported by a large group
Five-year Plan has already been accomplished. The
of miners. This achievement became symbolic for the
results indicate that a Five-year Plan is quite feasible
workers’ self-imposed discipline to realize Communism.
because the foundations for this kind of society have
This ‘voluntary’ movement was stimulated by the
already been laid in the Soviet Union. They refute
authorities through premiums, better food and improved
that capitalism is the best system, and that any other
housing.
economic system is unstable and cannot pass the test of
Taken from: Marcello Flores, The history of Communism (2003).
difficulties of economic development.
Taken from: Stalin on the first Five-year Plan, January 1933.
53
Chapter
The age of World Wars • The Soviet Union
Chapter 3
Key facts
4
For the love of the fatherland
Intro
Kind of
In the 1930s Stalin developed agriculture and heavy industry,
change
and established his absolute power.
Economic
1
Study HB source 1.
a What shows that there were still class differences in the
Social
Soviet Union?
The previous owners had more privacy;
they shared three rooms with four
people. The Sazonov family, however, had
to share one room with five people.
b For what reasons were loyal Party members and Bolshe-
4
vik workers deliberately housed in properties that belonged
Industrialisation and
collectivisation.
Everybody’s life was fully
monitored. Millions of people
were arrested and sent to
work in forced labour camps.
People no longer trusted
each other.
a Give some reasons for Stalin’s Great Terror.
□ The secret police was not to be trusted and had to be
to established wealthy citizens?
checked.
□ The winters were very cold and by sharing the house the
□ Stalin wanted to settle accounts with several critics of
workers did not have to spend as much on fuel.
his policy within the Party.
□ There was a housing shortage in the cities due to rapid
□ Stalin had thousands of opponents, enemies and spies.
industrialisation.
□ Stalin was suspicious; he saw enemies everywhere.
□ Party members and Bolsheviks had to keep an eye on
□ The Church said that the Czar was chosen by God to
what was going on.
rule the country. The Church had indirectly oppressed the
□ Personal hygiene could be monitored.
2
Measure
population and had to be punished.
Read the introductory text, an interview with Alexei
b What does ‘show trial’ mean?
Khaneyevsky’s grandson.
It is a trial where the outcome is
determined in advance. The defendants
are put under pressure to admit to
crimes they have not committed.
a Which problems arose through this new housing policy?
People had lost their privacy, which led
to quarrels.
b Which form of government matches the extreme
c Explain why Stalin set up these trials.
intervention by the authorities?
To create an appearance that he was a
righteous and fair leader and to instail
fear.
A Democracy.
B Dictatorship.
C Monarchy.
d Give a reason why Stalin ended the Great Terror in 1939.
D Totalitarian state.
□ All the enemies had been captured.
Consolidation
□ The Second World War was about to break out.
3
Read the main text carefully. How did Stalinism affect the
□ It appeared that his secret departments were not to be
daily lives of Soviet Union citizens? Complete the table.
trusted.
Kind of
□ Stalin wanted to be remembered as a great leader.
Measure
□ Stalin realized that the terror was beginning to under-
change
Religious
Political
Cultural
mine his authority.
Disapproval of religion, the
Church was persecuted.
Stalin took complete
control.
Art glorified Communism
and its leaders.
e Compare the Czar’s administration with Stalin’s. Give an
example of continuity.
For example, the Czar as well as Stalin
ruled the country like autocrats, or
they used the secret police to monitor
the population.
54
5
6
Assignment
a After 1938 Stalin thought he would not be able to rely on
the support of Britain and France in case of a war with Nazi
The role of religion
Germany. Give two reasons why Stalin did not trust Britain
You are going to investigate the opinions of Marx and Stalin
and France.
about the role of the Church in society.
During the Russian civil war they had
sided with the Whites and at the
Munich Conference they had given the
Sudetenland to Hitler.
8
a Who would Marx have meant when he said ‘people in
need’?
Workers.
b What advantage did the secret part of the Molotov-
b What was Marx’ view on religion? Cross out the incorrect
Ribbentrop Pact have for Stalin and Hitler?
option and explain your answer.
Both could extend their influence
without going to war with each other.
he
compared religion with drugs.
c Give the reason why that part of the pact was kept
c What did Marx say that people needed religion for?
secret.
To make their hard lives more bearable.
Otherwise countries would have
intervened immediately and declared
war on Germany and the Soviet Union.
d After the workers’ revolution Marx said it would no
He was positive • negative about it, as
longer be necessary to oppose the church. Explain why.
When the workers were given power,
they would no longer need the church
to make their lives bearable, because it
would have already happened.
a How did the Soviet Union become involved in the Second
World War?
Germany attacked the Soviet Union on
22 June 1941.
Source 1 Karl Marx on religion.
b Explain why the Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point
in the war.
Opium
It was Germany’s first defeat and the
beginning of Hitler’s downfall.
Religion is a comfort for people in need, religion is a
c Cross out the incorrect option and explain your answer.
the opium of the people.
In comparison with other allied countries, the Soviet Union
Taken from: Karl Marx, Critique of Hegel’s philosophy of law (1844).
comfortable feeling in a heartless world. [...] Religion is
millions of people
died and the economy had collapsed.
This did not really apply to Britain and
the US, because there was no fighting
on their territory.
suffered much • little damage, as
7
Read WB source 1.
9
Study HB source 5.
a The Czar and the Russian Orthodox Church had strong
ties. Explain why.
According to the Russian Orthodox
Church the Romanovs were appointed
czars by the grace of God.
a What similarities were there between the ideology of
Nazi Germany and that of the Soviet Union under Stalin?
Also use the main texts in chapter 2.
b What was the view on religion in the 1930s? Cross out
□ Anti-Semitism.
the incorrect option and explain your answer.
□ A strong leader.
this poster shows
how various religions block the way for
Socialists.
Positive • Negative, because
□ Propaganda and censorship by the state.
□ The punishment of opponents.
□ Nationalism.
b Mention a difference between the ideology of National
Socialism and that of Communism.
For example: National Socialists
differentiate between people (non-Jews
and Jews), whereas Communists
consider everybody equal. And secondly,
National Socialists did not have a
(complete) command economy.
55
Chapter
Part of the family was sent to a camp,
the father had to carry out forced
labour, the rest of the family was
arrested and sent to Siberia or to a
forced labour camp.
c Stalin removed the ban on religion during the Second
World War. What would have been his reason?
It would comfort people and give them
hope in this difficult time.
d Explain that Stalin’s unpredictable attitude to religion
matches his style of administration.
Source 2 Stalin wanted more: collectivisation was not enough.
He continually changed his opinion as it
pleased him. He was mainly concerned
with his own position.
The child of a rich peasant
Antonia Golovina was eight years old in May 1931 when
she was exiled with her mother and two younger brothers
Forced labour camps
to a ‘special settlement’ in Siberia. Her father, a rich
Millions of people were exiled to forced labour camps during
peasant, was sentenced to three years of forced labour.
the Great Terror. You are going to investigate some sources
All their furniture, agricultural equipment and cattle
about the lives of prisoners in those camps and conclude
had to be handed over to a collective farm. The house
what strategy was apparent in Stalin’s policy.
was demolished. The rest of the family fled, but most
10 Study HB sources 2 and 3.
members were caught by the police and sent to Siberia
a Explain why the forced labour camps were based near
or a forced labour camp. Almost without exception, they
minerals or large construction projects, such as canals or
were not heard of again.
dams.
Taken from: Orlando Figes, The Whisperers: Private Life in Stalin’s
Prisoners were made to work there
so that they could contribute to the
development of the country.
Russia (2007).
12 a Were the changes in daily life major or minor due to the
Great Terror? Cross out the incorrect option and explain your
b What kind of people were most of the prisoners in the
answer.
forced labour camps?
each member of the
population in the Soviet Union risked
being arrested.
They were minor • major, as
Ordinary people, who wanted to make
the most of their lives.
c What do you think of the length and the severity of
b Think of a reason why Stalin did not think that seizing
punishment given to these people?
people’s possessions was punishment enough.
They are out of proportion with the
‘crimes’ they allegedly committed.
Stalin wanted to control people by
instilling them with fear.
d Which argument could Maria Tchebotareva have given to
13 What were the objectives of Stalin’s terror?
show that she had not stolen the rye?
□ Instilling fear through arbitrariness.
She took rye from a field which Stalin
had taken from her.
□ Economic motives: a rapid industrialisation of the country.
□ A rapid implementation of Communism by suppressing
e Which two circumstances caused Maria Tchebotareva’s
any opposition.
punishment to be extended to 1956?
□ Remaining in control.
She had to stay in the camp until
1945 because of WWII. Until after
Stalin’s death nobody was prepared to
take responsibility for her return.
11
□ Enhancing his influence in the world.
□ Making sure that all members of the population in the
Soviet Union were equal.
14 To what extent was Stalin a good Communist?
Read WB source 2.
a Why did Stalin regard rich peasants as his enemy?
They were a threat to Communism,
because they were most likely to rebel
against the society in which everybody
had to be equal.
b What kind of punishment were they given?
56
On the one hand Stalin enabled rapid
developments in the Soviet Union and
gave people more equality. On the other
hand economic development took place
at the expense of people’s quality of life.
The people were not in control: he was.
The Great Terror was unjust. He exploited workers in forced labour camps.
Chapter 3
Close-up
Chapter
The age of World Wars • The Soviet Union
5
Stalin, man of steel
3
After his power battle with Trotsky, Stalin ruled over the
Study HB source 2.
Soviet Union from 1928 until his death in 1953. In this section
a Which concepts match this source?
you are going to investigate what kind of man he was and
□ Propaganda.
what people thought of him. At the end of this section you
□ Falsification of history.
will give your own opinion about Stalin.
□ Personality cult.
1
Read the introductory text.
□ Secret service.
a What would have been the reason for Stalin being sent
b How would you describe Stalin’s personality?
to a forced labour camp in 1913?
□ He allowed people to fully realize their potential.
He was a revolutionary and wanted
Russian rule to change. Consequently
the Czar sent him to prison.
□ He was ambitious.
□ He was extremely suspicious.
□ He was brutal, but honest.
4
b After which events in 1917 did Stalin return to freedom?
The February and October Revolutions
took place. The Czar was deposed and
the revolutionaries seized power.
a What is this joke trying to make clear about people
working for Stalin?
They contributed to the terror,
oppressed innocent citizens and made
them confess crimes of which they were
not guilty.
c Think of a reason why Joseph called himself ‘man of
steel’.
Personal answer. For example, he had
survived Siberia, or he wanted to
indicate that he was powerful.
b This joke was told in the late 1950s and not before. Think
of a reason.
By then Stalin was dead and there was
less chance of being arrested after
telling this joke.
d Which unpleasant memories surrounding the name of
Stalin are referred to in the introductory text?
The compulsory collectivisation of
farmers and the Great Terror: random
accusations and punishments of
people.
2
Study HB source 3.
5
Study HB source 4.
a Which artist designed this source?
Gustav Klutsis.
Have a look at HB source 1.
b From which year does this source originate?
a In the early 1960s a Russian reporter secretly sold this
From 1935.
photo to the press in the West. Explain why it caused a great
c What was the artist’s objective in this source? Explain
sensation.
your answer.
This photo humanises Stalin. In most
pictures, Stalin is portrayed as a
serious, strong leader.
He wants to demonstrate that Stalin
is supreme and that the people are
happy, and grateful for his leadership.
b What was the relationship between Vlasik and Stalin
d Which two circumstances had the greatest impact on the
like, when this photo was taken? Explain your answer.
artist?
Relaxed and friendly, because this
photo of Stalin is humorous.
□ His age.
c After many years of loyal service Stalin ordered Vlasik to
□ Location.
be sent to prison in 1952. He was suspected of participation
□ Time.
in a murder plot against Stalin. Explain that this action fits
□ His religion.
in with Stalin.
□ His place in society.
□ His gender.
Stalin did not trust anybody; he had
thousands of innocent people arrested
and punished.
57
Chapter
8
e Explain your answer to question d.
Location: this artist lived in the Soviet
Union, where art served to support
Communist ideals.
Time: while Stalin was in power, pieces
of art might be particularly designed to
glorify Stalin.
6
You have now investigated several sources about Stalin.
Give a brief summary of your findings in the table.
Study HB source 5.
Source
This source is
Explanation
HB source
1
positive •
negative
HB source
2
positive •
negative
HB source
3
positive •
negative
HB source
4
positive •
negative
HB source
5
positive •
negative
Stalin as a
relaxed and
humorous man
Stalin falsifying
history
Stalin makes his
staff oppress the
people
Stalin as a strong
leader
Stalin as a tyrant
HB source
6
positive •
negative
a How did Khrushchev, the party leader, speak about his
predecessor Stalin in 1956?
He thought Stalin was a vain, cruel and
paranoid tyrant, who had had many
people killed.
b Were the victims referred to by Khrushchev everyday
Soviet citizens or other people? Explain your answer.
Khrushchev was only referring to
Stalin’s purification of the Party; he did
not mention peasants or forced labour.
9
c What would be the reason why Khrushchev spoke about
7
Stalin’s name is
removed
a Have another look at HB source 1 in section 1. Many
his predecessor in this manner?
people in the West think it is strange that Russians still
He was indicating that from then on
everything would be different.
glorify Stalin as a person today. Why do Westerners think it
Study HB source 6.
a What would have been the reason why a road in Amster-
Stalin is accountable for many
murders.
dam was named after Stalin in 1945?
b Use sections 2, 3 and 4 and the sources in this section.
Stalin was the leader of one of the
countries that had helped defeat
Germany in the Second World War.
Why do many Russians still view Stalin positively?
strange?
Stalin made sure that the people were
given a positive picture of him through
propaganda and he adapted history as
it pleased him.
Stalin was a hero: the Battle of
Stalingrad was a turning point in the
Second World War.
Stalin was responsible for the
industrialisation of the Soviet Union
and the modernisation of the country.
b In 1956 the city council of Amsterdam decided to change
the name of Stalinlaan. The Communistische Partij Nederland was against the name change. Their argument was
that street names have historic significance and therefore
should not be changed. Do you think it was justified to
rename Stalinlaan? Explain why.
Personal answer.
c Now give your own opinion. Is your opinion positive or
negative? Explain your answer.
Personal answer.
58
Chapter
The age of World Wars • The Soviet Union
Chapter 3
Culture
6
Commissioned by the state
A new style of art developed in the Soviet Union, called social
b Explain that the Moscow Metro is a very suitable topic
realism. Was this style of art mere propaganda or was it real
for artists in the Soviet Union.
art? You are going to find out more in this section.
The construction of the metro in
Moscow was symbolical for
technological and industrial advance in
the Soviet Union under Stalin. Artwork
about the metro glorified Stalin’s policy.
1
a Read the introductory text. What are the two features of
social realism?
The artwork should not only be realistic,
but it should also reflect the wonderful,
optimistic future of the Soviet Union.
4
b Give a description of ‘propaganda’ as a concept.
a What does this source show?
Spreading the ideas of a movement or
leader on the radio, in newspapers and
films.
Stalin meets one of the women
engineers.
c What were the two obligations Stalin imposed on artists
meeting. Who would find this meeting unforgettable?
in 1932?
They had to join a union for artists
and they had to express the ideals of
Communism.
The woman engineer. Stalin was the
great leader, so this was the best thing
that could have happened to her at the
time.
d What kind of change is put forward in question c? Cross
c Does this painting fit in with social realism? Explain your
b Efanov gave his picture this title: An unforgettable
out the incorrect options and explain your answer.
answer.
A Cultural • economic • political • social change, because
Yes, the art was realistic and it shows
how Stalin was glorified.
artists were no longer free to decide
what they wanted to create.
2
5
Study HB source 4.
Study HB source 1.
a Which Soviet Union ideal is the artist trying to express in
a How is Stalin glorified in this painting?
this sculpture? Explain your answer.
The painting includes a banner and
Stalin’s portrait to show how life has
become better and happier thanks to
Stalin’s leadership.
The equality between men and women,
the Soviet Union as a country of
labouring workers.
b Does this portrayal of life on a farm reflect reality in the
ted to their choice of this design for the exhibition.
Soviet Union?
Stalin wanted to show the West that
his country was industrialised and
could make such special sculptures.
b Explain why the use of stainless steel probably contribu-
No, because there were great famines
when this was painted. Moreover,
many farmers were rebelling against
collectivisation.
3
Study HB source 3.
c Think of a reason why the design might be rejected, if
the shawl did not prove to be necessary to create a technical
Study HB source 2.
balance.
a Which details in this picture are realistic (true to life) and
A shawl was perceived as too luxurious
for a farm girl. Peasants should dress
simply.
which are not? Complete the table.
Details
Realistic
Men and women both
worked as hard as each
other in the Soviet Union.
X
A strong and healthy
woman is working hard.
Unrealistic
X
59
Chapter
6
Read WB source 1.
Source 2 Taken from a speech by Andrej Zhdanov, who was
a What was the reason that citizens did not collect art in
responsible for the cultural policy in the Soviet state.
the Soviet Union in the 1930s?
In response to questions on art
All their possessions had been
confiscated, and people therefore did
not have any money to buy paintings.
Did the Central Committee, in saving the classical
heritage in painting, act in a conservative manner and
under the influence of ‘traditionalism’ and ‘epigonism’
b How did the shortage of private clients affect the artists’
(mediocrity)? Utter nonsense, of course! We Bolsheviks
choice of topics?
do not deny our cultural heritage. On the contrary, we
They made what the authorities
wanted in order to be commissioned.
subject to a critical study the cultural heritage of all
people and all ages in order to draw from it all that can
Source 1 From 1934 onward social realism became the norm.
inspire the working people of Soviet society to great
achievements in labour, science and culture.
Social realism
Taken from: Andrej Zhdanov, Essays on Literature, Philosophy and
Artists could not easily avoid the pressure imposed
Music (1950).
on them by the state. There were hardly any private
8
collectors left. The artists were dependent on
7
Have another look at HB sources 1 to 4.
commissions from the authorities. Artists would often
a What do these sources have in common?
choose a topic that had been given official approval,
such as industry or life on a farm, and express it in their
They give an optimistic picture of the
Soviet Union.
personal style.
b Explain why the word ‘realism’ does not truthfully reflect
what ‘social realism’ was about.
Read WB source 2.
The pictured reality was generally not
reality itself, but a reality desired by
the Communist leaders.
a Which criticism on social realism was rejected by Andrej
Zhdanov?
The criticism that this is traditional,
conservative, mediocre art.
c Give an argument for the claim that social realism really
is art.
b What was the reason why they chose social realist art,
Artists could vary the styles they used
in composition and poses. Sometimes
they ‘cheated’ and managed to create
their own work as they wanted.
according to Zhdanov?
It is a form of art which inspires people
to do good and wonderful deeds.
c What did Westerners probably think of social realist art
d Give an argument for the claim that social realism is not
in the Soviet Union?
art.
They considered this form of art:
Artists were not free to create art how
they wanted. They had to give a positive
picture and portray an optimistic
future. A critical view was forbidden.
□ coercive, because artists could only choose certain
topics.
□ emancipatory, because they painted ordinary people.
□ misleading, because the paintings did not show real life.
e What do you think, was social realism art or propa-
□ innovative, because the scenes were cheerful in bright
ganda? Explain your answer.
colours.
Personal answer. For example, a bit
of both. The rules and regulations
restricted the artists in their work, but
they used new materials and adopted
a variety of styles.
60
Chapter
The age of World Wars • The Soviet Union
Chapter 3
7
Review
3
Main points
1
Read WB source 1.
you choose as the root cause of the February Revolution?
a Which emergency situation is Gapon referring to?
Explain your answer.
The poverty, famine and poor living
and working conditions of the workers.
1905, because after Bloody Sunday
the Czar did not give the citizens much
say in the Duma. Soviets were set up,
which continued to fight for better living
and working conditions.
b What would the non-existent reality have looked like,
which the ministers presented to the Czar according to
Gapon?
The ministers told the Czar that
workers were satisfied with their lives.
b Which event, not included in the list of dates in the
c The ninth of January 1905 has gone down in history as
Revolutions? Explain your answer.
Bloody Sunday. Explain that the Czar did not rely on the
The First World War, which caused
chaos and great losses, had not ended.
Handbook, was a direct cause of the February and October
message Gapon sent him.
The Czar saw the protests as an attack
on his position and he had them
suppressed with bloodshed.
c Mention two consequences of the October Revolution.
□ Stalin came to power.
□ A civil war broke out.
□ The Czar was deposed and a new government was set
Source 1 The Russian Orthodox priest Georgi Gapon preached
up.
in the working-class districts of St Petersburg. On 8 January
□ There were many strikes and demonstrations.
1905 he wrote a letter to Czar Nicholas II.
□ Lenin came to power.
4
Letter to the Czar
Have a look at HB source 1.
‘Do not believe the ministers. They are deceitfully
a Which event is glorified in this poster?
presenting you with a non-existent reality. But the people
Collectivisation of agriculture.
trust in you. They will gather tomorrow outside the Winter
b In which two ways would this development contribute to
Palace at two p.m. to lay their emergency situation in
the industrialisation of the Soviet Union?
your hands. Do not be afraid, accept our petition! I and
The consolidation into large farming
businesses increased crop yield.
The sale of these crops to other
countries provided money for
machinery. Mechanisation meant fewer
farmworkers were needed and they
could go and work in factories. This
made rapid industrialisation possible.
my comrades will safeguard your sovereign immunity ...’
Taken from: Jaap ter Haar, De geschiedenis van Rusland, de opkomst
en ondergang van het Tsarenrijk (2007).
2
a Use the list of dates in the Handbook. Which year would
The Bolsheviks did not share Karl Marx’ ideas on a workers’
revolution. Explain the difference in their ideas.
According to Marx the workers would
rebel spontaneously. According to the
Bolsheviks they had to organise the
revolution and lead it.
c Describe two positive and two negative consequences
for industry due to the first Five-year Plans. Complete the
table with these consequences.
Positive consequences
Negative consequences
Rapid
Many workers
industrialisation and peasants
were treated with
violence
New projects,
There were few
such as the
consumer goods
Moscow Metro
61
Chapter 3
5
The age of World Wars • The Soviet Union
Have a look at HB source 2.
Source 2 Sixteen-year-old Lena Mukhina lived in Leningrad
a Was the New Economic Policy successful, according to
when it was surrounded, and kept a diary.
this source? Explain how this is shown in the source. Also
3 January 1942
give an explanation for this development.
Our troops have captured the city of Maly-Jaroslavets.
Yes, the livestock increased
significantly between 1922 and 1928.
Peasants could keep part of their cattle
and eventually sell it on the free market.
But no mention of the front at Leningrad. What does this
mean? Apparently it means a temporary deterioration.
We are dying like flies here because of the hunger, but
yesterday Stalin gave another dinner in Moscow. [...] This
b Does this source suggest that the first Five-year Plan was
is outrageous. They fill their bellies there while we don’t
a success? Explain how this is shown in the source. Also
even get a piece of bread.
give an explanation for this development.
6
Taken from: Lena Mukhina, Lena’s Diary (2012).
No, the livestock decreased
significantly between 1928 and 1933.
Peasants would rather slaughter their
cattle for their own use than hand it
over to the kolkhozes.
Change and continuity
c Give an explanation for the sharp increase in livestock
7
Skill
In history you investigate what has changed in the course of
time and what has stayed the same.
a Cross out the incorrect options and explain your answer.
after 1934.
The change in HB source 1 did not only cause an economic
In 1934 Stalin began to punish those
who opposed his policy. They were
arrested and sent to forced labour
camps. People became so scared that
they began to implement Stalin’s policy.
change, but also a cultural • political • social change,
there were no more rich peasants,
as property and possessions belonged
to everyone.
d Give an explanation for the sharp decrease in livestock
A quick • gradual change.
after 1939.
c Was it a major or a minor change?
The Soviet Union was fighting in the
Second World War. Many peasants
fought in the war and many farms were
destroyed.
It was a minor • major change, because
Read WB source 2.
d Imagine, you are investigating the economy during the
a Think of a reason for the shortage of food in Leningrad.
Czar’s reign and in the Soviet Union until 1956. Does it show
The city was surrounded by Germans,
food could not get through.
change or mainly continuity? Explain your answer.
because
b What was the pace of this change?
the loss
of property and possessions and the
obligation to work together on large
farms seriously affected people’s lives.
Mainly change, because during the
Czar’s reign, there was little industry
and during Stalin’s rule the Soviet Union
industrialised rapidly.
b Explain that it would be dangerous if Lena’s diary were
read by others.
Lena vented criticism on Stalin. If she
were betrayed, she would be punished
severely.
In the course of time
8
c In 1962 Lena’s diary was donated to the Central Archives.
Industrialisation in Britain was not imposed by the state as
it was in the Soviet Union.
It was an anonymous donation. Think of a reason why the
a Compare industrialisation in Britain and in the Soviet
diary was donated anonymously to the Central Archives
Union. Don’t forget to mention causes and consequences
after 1953.
(for the rich and the poor). Use the next page for this.
Stalin died in 1953 and terror
subsided. An anonymous donation
meant that the giver could not be
prosecuted.
b Was the development of industrialisation in Britain more
‘peaceful’ than in the SU? Write your conclusion on the next
page.
62