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Which of the following saw more change as a result of Lenin’s policies: - the way Russia was ruled and controlled - the economy of Russia? Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
Which of the following saw more change as a result of Lenin’s policies: - the way Russia was ruled and controlled - the economy of Russia? Explain your answer with... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which of the following saw more change as a result of Lenin’s policies: - the way Russia was ruled and controlled - the economy of Russia? Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
the way Russia was ruled and controlled
Answer
Lenin's policies significantly transformed the political landscape in Russia. After the October Revolution of 1917, Lenin established a communist dictatorship, consolidating power through the creation of institutions such as the Cheka, which suppressed opposition. The political structure shifted from a monarchy to a one-party state where all political power was centralized in the hands of the Bolsheviks.
Furthermore, the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in January 1918 marked a pivotal moment in Russian governance. This action highlighted Lenin's commitment to creating a political system that prioritized Bolshevik ideology over democratic processes. The control of the media was also crucial in maintaining the regime's power. Bolshevik newspapers proliferated while opposing viewpoints were silenced, fostering a political dictatorship dominated by Lenin's authority.
Step 2
the economy of Russia
Answer
The economy of Russia also underwent considerable change as a result of Lenin’s policies but in different ways. Initially, Lenin's New Economic Policy (NEP), introduced in 1921, aimed to rebuild the war-torn economy by allowing some private enterprise. This represented a notable shift from War Communism, which sought to control all means of production and was marked by severe food shortages and famine.
Under the NEP, farmers were permitted to sell their surplus crops, which incentivized agricultural production and aided recovery. However, the long-term implications of these economic changes were significant. The state retained control over heavy industry and banks, ensuring the Bolshevik government maintained its economic power, even while allowing some market mechanisms to function.