TOPIC 9 - The Soviet Union and Eastern Europe 1924-2000
Stalin's Impact on Society
Because of the exclusivity and elitist nature of the Communist Party, the Soviet people knew little about Stalin's despotic nature and criminal activities. What they did know was a selection of the official propaganda, which emphasized, naturally enough, the positive aspects of government achievements usually linked with Stalin's name, i.e., the glories of the Five-Year Plans.
To this day it has been difficult, if not entirely impossible, to sort out what Stalin was personally responsible for, and what was merely done in his name. What we tend to see in any examination of the domestic situation in Russia is a weird mixture of contradictions.
As far as the international scene was concerned, the main point to remember was that at this time the Soviet Union was the only socialist state. The capitalist countries were in control of the global situation. Not surprisingly, this generated an atmosphere of some alarm, which was used by Stalin. Most Russians were prepared to believe that there was a fascist conspiracy against the Soviet people. A typical consequence was to believe that there was a fifth column operating inside Russia to prepare the way for the invasion. Stalin was able to exploit the people in this way. He could rely on their willingness to suffer now in the hope of a better future. Additionally, he could rely on their patriotism—their love for the motherland! If you had been a Russian in the late 1930s, who would you have chosen if the choice were Hitler or Stalin? Was there really any choice?
Westerners do not generally remember Stalin’s impact on society of murdering millions during the Cold War as being completely secretive. However, even though Stalin killed millions, he is attributed to many reforms throughout the then Soviet Union that would last throughout the Soviet foothold and thereafter.
To this day it has been difficult, if not entirely impossible, to sort out what Stalin was personally responsible for, and what was merely done in his name. What we tend to see in any examination of the domestic situation in Russia is a weird mixture of contradictions.
- While party and state leaders were being arrested as enemies of the people, schools, factories and "palaces of culture" were built.
- While military leaders were arrested as spies, a strong army was established.
- While scientists were arrested as wreckers, Soviet science was strongly established with party support.
- While nationalists in the various sections of the Soviet Union were arrested, life in the oppressed nationalities improved.
As far as the international scene was concerned, the main point to remember was that at this time the Soviet Union was the only socialist state. The capitalist countries were in control of the global situation. Not surprisingly, this generated an atmosphere of some alarm, which was used by Stalin. Most Russians were prepared to believe that there was a fascist conspiracy against the Soviet people. A typical consequence was to believe that there was a fifth column operating inside Russia to prepare the way for the invasion. Stalin was able to exploit the people in this way. He could rely on their willingness to suffer now in the hope of a better future. Additionally, he could rely on their patriotism—their love for the motherland! If you had been a Russian in the late 1930s, who would you have chosen if the choice were Hitler or Stalin? Was there really any choice?
Westerners do not generally remember Stalin’s impact on society of murdering millions during the Cold War as being completely secretive. However, even though Stalin killed millions, he is attributed to many reforms throughout the then Soviet Union that would last throughout the Soviet foothold and thereafter.
Instructions
1. Read the following sources: pages 117 to 121 "History - 20th Century World: Authoritarian & Single-Party States (purple text)" and he scanned text "Corin & Fiehn - 288-306.pdf"
2. This task has four sections to complete.
3. Section A – Answer the question.
4. Section B – Read the sources and complete the table (see below).
5. Section C – Read the sources and complete the table (see below).
6. Section D – Complete the table (see example) addressing the following question:
Why do Historians disagree whether there was a Great Retreat or not?
1. Read the following sources: pages 117 to 121 "History - 20th Century World: Authoritarian & Single-Party States (purple text)" and he scanned text "Corin & Fiehn - 288-306.pdf"
2. This task has four sections to complete.
3. Section A – Answer the question.
4. Section B – Read the sources and complete the table (see below).
5. Section C – Read the sources and complete the table (see below).
6. Section D – Complete the table (see example) addressing the following question:
Why do Historians disagree whether there was a Great Retreat or not?
Task A: The Impact of the Soviet Cultural Revolution
Answer the following questions:
- What was the overall impact of the Soviet "Cultural Revolution" (1928-1931)?
- How did it impact the following areas (see table below)?
Task B: Effects of the "Great Retreat"
Task C: Social Realism
Task D: Historical Interpretations
Complete the table by addressing the following question:
Why do Historians disagree whether there was a Great Retreat or not?
Why do Historians disagree whether there was a Great Retreat or not?
Mark Scheme