Mr Andrew Morel

BA, MA, PGCE, MEd

Ysgol Uwchradd Llanidloes High School

History AS Spring 2024 Sessions:

• Session 1: Unit 1 Option 8 The significance of the main changes in international relations 1890-1939 (1)
• Session 2: Unit 1 Option 8 The significance of the main changes in international relations 1890-1939 (2)
• Session 3: Unit 1 Option 8 Impact of Russian revolution 1905-1945 (1)
• Session 4: Unit 1 Option 8 Impact of Russian revolution 1905-1945 (2)

Revision TASK:

The main powers

Revision TASK

What alliances?

Revision TASK

M__________

I__________

A__________

N__________

Revision TASK

Peace Treaties: Which country faired worse?

Revision TASK:

Make a T-chart. On one side write down the reason why the Locarno era was a genuine time of peace and on the other side why it was just an illusion and destined to fail.

Revision TASK:

For each event we have seen in the build up to World War Two go back and give it a rating of 1-5 as to how close you think it brought Europe to war.

5- war not likely at all….

through to

….1- war was inevitable, it was just waiting for the first shot

We will hold a Live Question and Answer session on Wednesday 7th February 2024 between 17.30 and 18.15. Join us to ask anything you are unsure of.

Thank you very much for using this resource as I have shared with you some tips to succeed at History AS. All the very best in your exams!

AS Level History

Live Q and A

Option 8 - EUROPE IN AN AGE OF CONFLICT AND CO-OPERATION c.1890-1991)

Mr A. Doughton

Sessions

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Session 3 and 4 - The impact of revolution in Russia 1905-1945 with A Doughton (Unit 1 Option 8 - EUROPE IN AN AGE OF CONFLICT AND CO-OPERATION c.1890-1991)

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Topic checklist

the main causes and effects of the 1905 revolution

The main causes of revolution 1917

Civil War and the Bolshevik consolidation of power 1917-1924

The impact of Stalin’s political, social and economic changes to 1945

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Possible questions on the impact of Russian Revolution

‘The most significant changes in Russia in the period between 1905 and 1945 came under Lenin.’ Discuss.

‘Stalin’s domestic policies had the most significant impact on Russia between 1905 and 1945.’ Discuss.

'The lives of the people of Russia were affected more by repression than by any other government action in the period 1905-1945.' Discuss.

‘The collectivisation of agriculture had the greatest impact on the lives of the Russian people in the period 1924-1945.’ Discuss.

How effectively did Russian governments deal with the challenges they faced in the period from 1905 to 1945?

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Key words

• Revolution - A forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favour of a new system.
• Autocracy -A system of government by one person with absolute power.
• Tsar – An emperor of Russia before 1917.

the main causes and effects of the 1905 revolution �

• The first major threat to Tsar Nicholas II’s rule came in the form of the 1905 Revolution 

Main events

• Strikes spread across the country and illegal trade unions were widespread.
• Grand Duke Sergei, Nicholas II’s uncle, was assassinated near the Kremlin in Moscow.
• A mutiny broke out amongst the sailors on the battleship Potemkin.
• There was a general strike in October.

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the main causes and effects of the 1905 revolution �

• Causes of the 1905 revolution

There are a number of long term and short term causes of the 1905 Revolution.

Long term cause - Political problems

Long term cause – Economic problems

Short term cause -Defeat in the war with Japan

Short term cause – Bloody Sunday

the main causes and effects of the 1905 revolution

The effects of the 1905 revolution

The October Manifesto -Sergei Witte was an influential policy maker. He persuaded the Tsar to pass his October Manifesto. Issued in 1905, it promised significant political reform: A Duma (elected national parliament) was to be set up.

The Fundamental Laws - the right to dissolve (close) the Duma at any point.

Control - The Tsar continued to use the army and the Okhrana to supress any opposition.

Stolypin’s economic reforms - Redemption Payments (loans from the state) were abolished. Loans for peasants to buy land became available with the introduction of Peasants' Land Banks.

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The causes of revolution in 1917

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Reasons for the February Revolution, 1917

• Tsar Nicholas II was a poor leader. Tsarina. Rasputin
• Economic problems grew, made worse by Russia's disastrous involvement in World War One.
• Social unrest led to the February Revolution and his abdication.
• Failure of the October Manifesto

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The events and the setting up of the The Provisional Government

• By 1917, the people of Russia had had enough and revolted against the Tsar.
• The “February” Revolution of 1917
• Demonstrations and food riots suddenly broke out in the capital city of Petrograd.
• The Tsar had lost support and control—when his soldiers were ordered to fire on the mob, many refused and either deserted or joined the protests.
• The Tsar gave up the throne. A Provisional Government was formed. Russia was now a republic.
• The main revolutionary parties were taken by surprise—this was a real people’s revolution caused by a sudden risings of workers and soldiers sick of the war, shortages and high prices.

Reasons for the October Revolution

• Dual power
• Return of Lenin and his ‘April Theses’
• July Days
• The Kornilov Affair
• Bolsheviks seize power

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Civil War and the Bolshevik consolidation of power 1917-1924

• Civil War - After seizing control of Russia from the Provisional Government, the Bolsheviks had to safeguard their fragile grip on the reins of power. The Russian Civil War raged from 1918 until the start of 1921. Red Terror. War Communism. Control of the railways. Good leadership.
• The Cheka and the Red Terror – by 1923 there were 315 Gulags. Arrested anyone suspected of being against the revolution.
• Centralisation of the communist party
• Propaganda and censorship
• Replacing War Communism with the New Economic Policy.
• Religion - Because the vast majority of Russians were deeply religious, Lenin allowed freedom of worship and belief, while aiming to destroy the power and the wealth of the Church.
• Education – Indoctrination. Communist ideology.

Impact of Stalin’s policies up to 1945

• The purges (The Great Terror) – Wipe out any opposition
• Collectivisation
• Industrialisation and the Five Year Plans.
• Social and economic impact of war