Photo AI
Describe two problems faced by people in the USSR during the Second World War. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 4
Describe two problems faced by people in the USSR during the Second World War.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe two problems faced by people in the USSR during the Second World War. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Problem 1: German Invasion in 1941
Answer
One significant problem was the German invasion of the USSR in 1941. This attack was exceptionally successful, leading to rapid territorial gains by the German military. As a consequence, many Soviet factories had to be relocated further east, away from the advancing German armies. This massive relocation effort caused logistical challenges and disruptions in production, which negatively impacted the war effort.
Step 2
Problem 2: Ethnic Nationalism and the Stalinist Regime
Answer
Another major issue was the response of Stalin's regime to national groups within the USSR. Stalin sought to suppress any form of nationalism that could threaten Soviet unity. This led to widespread fear and oppression among various ethnic groups, creating tensions that contributed to internal instability during the war. Nationalist sentiments were often met with violent repression, which further alienated these groups from the central authorities.