AS History unit 1 Russia in Revolution Stalin’s Russia

Course Breakdown This Unit is worth 50% of your AS Grade and 25% of your complete A Level It is assessed in one exam to be sat in June 2013 You must answer one essay question worth 30 marks from each of the two sections of the paper

AO1 a Recall, select and deploy historical knowledge appropriately, and communicate knowledge and understanding of history in a clear and effective manner. b Demonstrate their understanding of the past though explanation, analysis and arriving at substantiated judgements of:..key concepts such as causation, consequence, continuity, change and significance within an historical context..the relationships between key features and characteristics of the periods studied.

Key tips Read ahead! Look at the specification you have been given and aim to always be at least one lesson ahead of what is covered in class Practise your essay writing. Those who are happy to rewrite essays or to submit extra work will be the ones who achieve the highest grades Be absolutely clear on the assessment criteria. Understand why you are at a specific level and be clear on how to improve your work

What do we know about Russia and Russian History? Mind map 5 things you may already know about Russia Compare them with a partner and sort them into themes Break them down to one word or phrase.

Why was Russia seen as a backwards country in 1881? Grade E: I can recall facts and use evidence to answer the title question Grade C I can link and compare reasons together to make a supported, developed judgement Grade A I can evaluate the extent of each problem and develop a sustained, balanced judgement

Why was Russia seen as such a backwards country? What was Russia like in 1881? How had Alexander II brought change to Russia? What factors brought change in Russia in the period ?

Your Task As we go through some key introductory points on Russian history make notes on the problems inherent in Russia. Use the learning aims as a guide. Extension: Try to work out which had been the key factors in shaping Russia’s past and defining its future

Russia Russia was ruled by a Tsar. A Tsar was an all powerful being, answerable to nobody but God. Russia under the Tsar was a conservative state.

Tsars Tsar Alexander II Tsar Alexander III Tsar Nicholas II Tsars pics here

Autocracy Autocracy was the system of government in Russia, under the Tsars. The Tsars had total power of Russia and the Romanov dynasty ruled from 1613 to It was the most powerful dynasty in Europe.

Russia at this time Russia was the largest empire in modern history – it was vast! It contained a great mix of differing ethnic and national groupings, languages, religions and cultures. The geography of Russia was incredibly diverse, from grassland and forest, to permanently frozen land and deserts. It was overwhelmingly rural with a growing industry, yet far lacking behind other European powers.

1) The size of the country and the diversity of the population. More than 21 different nationalities lived in Russia; the Russians were the largest in number. It was difficult to have consistent policies across such a vast country. Why was Russia difficult to govern?

2) 80% of the population were illiterate peasants. Although they were freed in 1861, they were unable to afford to buy land and so were still virtually the slaves of landowners. Why was Russia difficult to govern?

3) The tsar was an absolute, or autocratic, ruler. This meant that no political parties were allowed and there was no parliament, only a few advisory ministers. Censorship and the tsar's secret police, the Okhrana, were ruthless. There were terrorist groups, such as the Peoples' Will who assassinated Tsar Alexander II in There was no middle ground for debate so there was often extremist political action. Why was Russia difficult to govern?

Geography Huge country, stretching West into Poland, North into Finland, East to the Pacific and South to Afghanistan and China. Separated by the Urals mountain range, into ‘Western Russia’ and ‘Eastern Russia’. In spite of huge size, only good farming land stretched from the Ukraine to Kazahkstan.

Population 44.3% Great Russians 17.3% Ukranians 6.3% Poles 4.0% Jews

Social Structure 0.5% Ruling Class 1.2% Upper Class 1.5% Commercial Class 4.0% Working Class 82% Peasants Tsar & Nobility Priests Upper Class Army Peasants

Peasantry Most of the population were peasants who relied upon the land. Land shortage the peasants had been emancipated. Forced to buy the land so ended up in debt. ‘Dark masses’ – illiterate and uneducated.

Religion Russian Orthodox Church – pillar of establishment – supported autocratic rule. Tsar – Head of Church. The Tsar’s ministers – the Holy Synod controlled it. Close watch put on priests to ensure they showed due respect to the Tsar. Priests made money from Church collections.

Economy No major industrial development – sheer size and lack of transport prevented it. Absence of effective banking structure that prevented entrepreneurialism. Most villages had a smelting works which enabled them to make iron goods.

Army Common way to keep ‘dark masses’ in check- conscription. Also used as a punishment for law-breakers. Dreaded by ordinary Russians because of severity of discipline. 45% of government expenditure on armed forces. Commissions bought and sold leaving little room for promotion through merit.

How did the Tsars rule? Autocrats without Parliament. Appointed ‘yes men’ ministers. Advice sought from court favourites. Employed civil servants to run country, mostly through nepotism. Most important rule – Minister of Interior. Tsar The Imperial Council The Cabinet of Ministers The Senate

The Tsars House of Romanov since Tsar Alexander II ‘Liberator Tsar’ assassinated by terrorists. Alexander III reversed reforms. Russia began industrialising – urban communities with bad living and working conditions Nicholas II – weak man but still believed in his divine right to be Tsar.

Which Tsar did more to improve conditions in Russia? In pairs I want you to investigate the reign of either Tsar Alexander II or Tsar Alexander III You should look at what they did, why the did it and how successful they were. When you return you should compare your research with that of another group and be ready as a group of four to argue which Tsar did more for Russia.

Homework Write and introduction and Conclusion tot he Question: How fair is it to say that Tsar Alexander II played a crucial role in modernising Russia